Michaelsoft Binbows

November 26, 2022 12:22 PM

An obscure ages-old internet photo sparks an investigation that leads to a giddy, joyful conclusion. Nick Robinson takes us on a journey as we learn that "MICHAELSOFT BINBOWS' isn't what you think it is. [35m] Features use of Google Earth VR which is the only thing that's made me want VR so far.
posted by hippybear (12 comments total)

I don't know why, but I am genuinely surprised this was never posted to the blue before. The video is ~18 months old, and I know I saw it at least a year ago. If you'd asked me where I'd been linked to it from, I would have sworn this website to be by far the most likely source. And yet, according to the search, it's not.

That said, it is a WILD ride, and quite fun. 10/10, would recommend watching.
posted by mystyk at 1:17 PM on November 26, 2022 [2 favorites]

This Nick Robinson?
posted by sagc at 1:23 PM on November 26, 2022 [6 favorites]

mystyk: I kept searching over and over because I could have SWORN I saw it here before. But no!
posted by hippybear at 1:35 PM on November 26, 2022 [1 favorite]

This Nick Robinson?

Photo on the YouTube account is similar (research easily done by anyone) so I'll say yes?
posted by hippybear at 1:45 PM on November 26, 2022

For clarity, maybe this should have been the link; probably not the best person the be promoting.
posted by sagc at 1:47 PM on November 26, 2022 [9 favorites]

@sagc: Holy shit...
I had no idea, and that first link, while confirming identity, doesn't really explain much other than that he got fired for messages over Twitter. But that second link (ironically, to the blue), wow. I have no words. Perhaps his apology was genuine, and he has atoned for his actions, but even in the best case it would be an uphill battle to recover from the very deep hole he dug, and I wouldn't question anyone for simply labeling him a creep and moving on.
posted by mystyk at 1:57 PM on November 26, 2022 [1 favorite]

probably not the best person the be promoting.

Was promoting the video, not the person. But I understand the baggage the person can bring to the experience of their art. Literally only included their name in the post because I've been scolded here for not doing so in the past. I have zero connection with this person at all.
posted by hippybear at 2:38 PM on November 26, 2022 [4 favorites]

that's not the problem, and you don't have to apologise - I don't think you should be expected to know that gaming's equivalent of Louis CK was still out there making videos with interesting premises.
posted by Merus at 7:20 PM on November 26, 2022 [5 favorites]

Can confirm that Google Earth VR is an often breathtaking experience. If you’re the kind of person who’s ever lost an hour or two wandering around in non-VR Google Earth, Google Earth VR is an order of magnitude more immersive, natural, and exhilarating.
posted by LEGO Damashii at 11:59 PM on November 26, 2022 [1 favorite]

Thanks hippybear for posting this and thanks sagc for adding some context. I both really enjoyed this video and the nostalgia it gave me for the old Web (and the hope that there are still places on Web 2.0 that still provide that joy), and hope he isn't hurting anyone anymore.
posted by capricorn at 8:34 AM on November 27, 2022

So just before he went on Google Earth I stopped the video and went to Koaigimachi on Google Street View and started down the main street and in about a minute I found this, which matches the building shown in the new picture at 12:25. I think I'm ready for Bellingcat!
posted by hypnogogue at 12:35 PM on November 27, 2022

I was also happy to see the pinned comment on the video page
posted by ckape at 5:38 PM on November 27, 2022