It's called Business Photos

Pretty cool for a biz that want to show off their inside.

Here's Google's info on it.

Business owners - Google Maps with Street View ? Business Photos

Business Photos

FAQ


The following point seems to make traditional optimization not possible.. IE File name etc.

1. Can I review the photos after they are taken and before they go live on my Place page?
   
   Because of the technology takes individual unstitched and unreviewed images that need considerable processing after they are uploaded by the photographer, to produce the attractive ‘walk- through’ experience, you will not be able to review the images before they are uploaded to Google.

Thanks for the find Patrick, so really all it is a virtual tour that you can't really optimise, probably would be good for a shop front/hotel or something.

Ya.. hotel, retaurant.. those type of businesses would be good for it.

Virtual tour - love it!
Thanks for the info!

That's cool. But I guess it'll cost quite a bit for the business to take those pictures if they can't do it themselves!

It seems you have to use THEIR trusted photographers.
So there's a opportunity there.. they don't have all that many.

1. Why are businesses being photographed and how can I see the pictures?
   
   Google Trusted Photographers are taking high-quality still photographs that will be stitched into 360-degree views using panoramic camera technology. These Trusted Photographers are independent contractors who have been trained and certified by Google to produce high quality panoramic images. As a business owner, you can also upload your own photographs to Google by signing into Google Places. You'll be able to see the photos and 360-degree panoramic imagery directly on Google search results and on your Place page.

Wonder what it takes to be a trusted photographer?

Found this...
Find a Google Trusted Photographer - Google Maps with Street View ? Google Business Photos

Find a Google Trusted Photographer - Google Maps with Street View ? Business Photos

I met a guy a month ago who does this in Redmond WA. You have to take an online course and certification test. He does not charge too much and once you take the images in the appropriate method you upload them and Google does the rest. Pretty cool stuff!

I called Google.
Here goes:

You have to register with Google to become a trusted photographer (link above in previous post).
They train you online.
Google doesn't pay you - businesses are the ones to pay for this service. I believe you set up your own charges.
That's basically it.

Big opportunity for us in Canada... They will start recruiting shortly...