The prequel

In response to the unveiling of search-mapping tool Google Earth last week during Google's "factory tour," Bill Gates announced Monday that Microsoft's Virtual Earth would allow users to map local landmarks against high-resolution aerial photographs, the New York Times writes. Microsoft will make the satellite-imaging technology available this summer as part of an advertising-supported local search service offered by MSN, the Times reports.

Speaking at an industry conference in California, Gates also announced a new customizable MSN start page. Google's portal offering was announced last week as well. He demonstrated the new MSN start page, which allows users to organize, at will, the embedded elements and other information sources on an MSN homepage. Yahoo, MSN and America Online already offer such pages.

Google already offers satellite imagery of the United States based on its Google Maps service. It showed off advances in satellite-aided search results through Google Earth, which it developed through its acquisition of satellite-imaging company Keyhole.