• Tech

This 1 Extension Makes Google Chrome Even More Awesome

1 minute read

The Google Maps team has just torpedoed the productivity of Chrome users with the launch of “Earth View,” a new browser extension that displays a random and beautiful satellite image of the earth’s surface each time the user opens a new tab.

It’s not exactly groundbreaking technology — in fact, it just a marries two existing technologies from Chrome and Google Earth. But the sheer variety of terrains on display, from the schematic street-view of downtown Chicago to a frozen mountain range in Antarctica, makes opening a new tab an oddly hypnotic experience and opening dozens of tabs nearly irresistible.

The app launched with little fanfare on October 14, rapidly climbing the ranks of most downloaded Chrome extensions with more than 50,000 users to date.

You can download the extension for yourself here.

PHOTOS: Inside Google’s New York City Office

A subway themed conference room where Googlers can video conference with other Google offices around the world.
A subway themed conference room where Googlers can video conference with other Google offices around the world.Eric Laignel—Google
A lounge and workspace in Google's Chelsea Market office where employees can get together for a meeting or relax on a lounge chair.
A lounge and workspace in Google's Chelsea Market office where employees can get together for a meeting or relax on a lounge chair.Eric Laignel—Google
Steel slides connect Google's two story lounge.
Steel slides connect Google's two story lounge.Eric Laignel—Google
A green themed micro kitchen emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability.
A green themed micro kitchen emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability.Eric Laignel—Google
Google's apartment themed conference room for those looking to “work from home” at work.
Google's apartment themed conference room for those looking to “work from home” at work.Eric Laignel—Google
Google's build-your-own desks that allow employees to completely customize their workspaces.
Google's build-your-own desks that allow employees to completely customize their workspaces.Eric Laignel—Google
Water tower seating in Google's aptly named Water Tower Cafe, one of five cafes at Google's New York offices that serve free food.
Water tower seating in Google's aptly named Water Tower Cafe, one of five cafes at Google's New York offices that serve free food.Eric Laignel—Google
The Broadway themed conference rooms on Google's New York City-themed floor.
The Broadway themed conference rooms on Google's New York City-themed floor.Eric Laignel—Google
A bookcase turns to reveal one of three "secret rooms" in Google's library.
A bookcase turns to reveal one of three "secret rooms" in Google's library.Eric Laignel—Google
Google New York's library, complete with books donated by employees.
Google New York's library, complete with books donated by employees.Eric Laignel—Google
The Google bridge across 16th street in New York City.
The Google bridge across 16th street in New York City.Eric Laignel—Google

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