Google launches a kids’ map app that lets them explore the Himalayas in 3D – Verne: The Himalayas

Technology giant Google has released a new application specially designed for kids to let them explore the Himalayas using maps, 3D imagery, and gameplay, a media report said. The game is only released for Android users and is now available on Google Play for free. Verne: The Himalayas app is 211MB in size and works only on smartphones running on Android 4.4 KitKat and above.

Called “Verne: The Himalayas”, the app introduces the character Verne, who is a friendly, 500-foot Yeti children can use to move around the map scenes.

Taking control of Verne, “you can run up Mt. Everest in seconds, skate across icy lakes, chase yaks, discover bits of information, ride a jetpack, play Himalayan instruments and more.” Who hasn’t wanted to jetpack around snowy mountains as a Yeti?! That’s been on my bucket list for years.

As Verne moves along – famous points, landmarks, and regions are highlighted within the app educating users about the geography. Very few get the privilege to explore the Himalayas, and with this app, Google looks to bring that exploration experience to the smartphone in an interactive manner.

For now, the game only focuses on visiting the Himalayan region and learning more about it, but we expect Google to release more games highlighting other famous regions across the globe in the future.

In its blog post introducing the game, the Google Maps team said, “For years, Google Maps has been adding 3D imagery from all over the world – New York City, the Grand Canyon, Mont Blanc, and more. A few of us started wondering if this 3D imagery could make learning about the world a bit more fun for kids. We started playing with quick prototypes and even brainstormed with our own kids to get inspired by their sense of curiosity. Our idea became a new, experimental app called Verne: The Himalayas. [..] We’re excited to share it today as a fun way for anyone to take a summer trip to the tallest mountain range in the world.”