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Google’s StreetView/Maps is incredibly popular — Microsoft wants a piece of the action. A new service dubbed StreetSide is being launched across Europe and is similar to that of Google StreetView.

Currently the service is available in 56 US towns and cities. The process of taking photos has already begun in London and will move to other major cities across Europe soon. Only major routes will be photographed , Microsoft doesn’t feel it’s worth their while for smaller, less popular areas.

Microsoft are trying to avoid the same problems faced by Google, most notoriously, privacy. Google faced big problems of an opt-out service in Germany, the legal system became involved. In Germany, Microsoft will allow for opt-out, but that choice is unavailable elsewhere right now.