Google Maps - This is the new Google Earth

I just checked it out for myself. It's alright, but I don't think it really compares that great to the video's lofty standards. It was kind of funny seeing my house rendered in 3D as flat, though. All the houses on my street just looked like set pieces that had fallen down.

Here's a direct comparison of Google Maps, the new Google Earth webpage, and the Google Earth desktop app, respectively.

I chose a place I've been to before so I could judge it better. The desktop app was the most detailed all around, with good anti-aliasing and high quality lighting, as well as a longer render distance. Close up quality wasn't as good as the new Earth webpage (in DirectX mode bits of hills would disappear if you got too close), but the new page has about the same level of detail in far away features as Maps does. However, Maps had the worst texture quality overall.

It's not noticeable in most areas, only the locations they updated. You can't just zoom in on a random town and expect to see 3D trees and buildings. As far as I can tell, the desktop app version of Google Earth has the highest quality. You can also use it as a rudimentary flight simulator, unlike the other two. I have a fast internet connection and a fairly powerful PC, so your mileage may vary.