PORKPIEHAT  I know I should submit this as a Comment instead of a Review, but I'm done playing softball with Google and from now on I will do everything in my limited power to crap on it whenever possible. Why, you ask? Because Google has massively overreached, and now they control wayyyyyyyyyyyy too much of my computing experience. After reading this review, you may conclude that I'm a paranoid nut job. But if you spend some time investigating you will learn that nearly EVERY MAJOR CIVIC ORGANIZATION AND ALL THE MODERATE-TO-LIBERAL THINK TANKS ARE CURRENTLY SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER ABOUT THIS, but of course the mainstream media has said little about it (because they too make huge profits from the practices described below).

For instance, I strongly urge you to purchase and install Little Snitch -- one of the best programs available these days that intercepts ALL callouts from your computer. Such callouts used to be nothing more than software calling its home company to check for upgrades, ensure that it was not pirated, etc. However, if you install Little Snitch and then run virtually ANY software you will see that nowadays an unsettlingly HUGE percentage of them call Google, REPEATEDLY, EVERY FREAKIN' DAY! I have seen many, many programs that call Google over 100 times in a 2-hour period -- WHAT COULD POSSIBLY JUSTIFY THAT MANY CALLOUTS TO GOOGLE (especially since these are NOT GOOGLE APPS!)??

Why do so many non-Google applications now call Google 10, 20, 30.....up to 200 times a day? Even worse, why do so many commonly used applications call governmental organizations all over the word but especially in CHINA? Because today a major proportion of Google's revenues (and growing) come from gathering data on YOUR internet behavior, and then selling that valuable economic/psychological profile to other companies to leverage it into more sales of their crap.

Of course, it really is wayyyyyyy more complicated and all encompassing than that, but according to my value system, Google's behavior now borders on evil. So I encourage you to check this out for yourself. Get started by installing Little Snitch or any other callout-logging application, and see exactly which of the applications on YOUR computer are calling Google and how frequently in an average day. Then ask yourself why they need to call a third party so frequently. Maybe you'll agree with me that Google is becoming an evil force.  
(Version 5.2.1.1547)

DOC RENAUD  No release notes available, no download.

Sorry Google!  
(Version 5.2.1.1547)

JAZZICA  Things suddenly very blurry on GE?

Here's the most likely answers, in detail, to exolain the fuzzy visuals:

http://www.itsecurity.com/features/51-things-not-on-google-maps-071508/  
(Version 5.2.1.1329)

IGOMI  Hangs up on quit consistently.  
(Version 5.2.1.1329)

WHITEROCK  Don't use this build!

Selecting "view for more information" in a placemark will open a browser window right in Google Earth BUT after doing this, clicking "back to Google Earth" consistenty causes a spectacular crash.  
(Version 5.2.1.1329)

ALRESCHA  By following the appropriate links I was able to install a copy of Google Earth: 1) Without the updater, and 2) Without an installer. Someone is finally on the ball. Congratulations to the person at Google with a clue.

( http://earth.google.com/intl/en/download-earth-advanced.html )  
(Version 5.1.3534.411)

CASLON  Thanks for the tip!  
(Version 5.1.3534.411)

ILGAZ  If you get it from this page:

http://earth.google.com/download-earth-advanced.html and unclick "Allow Google Earth to automatically install recommended updates. ", it won't include the mighty (!) Google updater.

If Google is really reading comments and added this feature, let me tell: We aren't against applications updating themselves in this age, we are against how they do it and you are the worst example on the market right now.  
(Version 5.1.3534.411)

HARV  As a matter of principal and security, I am watchful of applications that "Call Home"; and this is one of them.

An extract from their TOS:

"The Google Earth software may communicate with Google servers from time to time to check for available updates to the software, such as bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions, missing plug-ins and new versions (collectively, "Updates"). By installing the Google Earth software, you agree to automatically request and receive Updates."

I'll use Little Snitch, so 'tis of little matter to me, but I just don't want anyone's server (randomly?) connecting to my machine without my express knowledge and consent.

How Google can justify this behavior is beyond me. Perhaps others have insight...  
(Version 5.1.3534.411)

ANDREWM8  Wow.... this time we are getting a choice of download - with or without Google Update. Finally someone is listening....  
(Version 5.1.3534.411)