Google Earth API, Google is withdrawing support for it.

Google Maps API product manager Ken Hoetmer said the current API is based on the aging NPAPI plugin framework, which will no longer be supported by Chrome and Firefox.

 

"(A)fter careful consideration, we have decided to retire the Google Earth API. Per our deprecation policy, the API will be supported until one year from today and will be turned off on December 12, 2015," Hoetmer said.

 

"Google Earth has a proud legacy, which continues with the new Google Earth for Android, powered by a brand new renderer. 3D is in our blood, and while we can’t announce anything just now, we look forward to sharing more exciting product news in the future," he added.

 

 

 

He noted the API was introduced in 2008, and allowed developers to build rich 3D mapping applications in the browser using JavaScript.

 

But he also cited security issues with the NPAPI-based plugins, as well as "dwindling" cross-platform support for them, especially on mobile devices.

 

During the one-year period before shutdown, suppored browsers include:

 

• Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, 7, and 8)
• Google Chrome 5.0-39.0 (32-bit)
• Internet Explorer 7-9, and 10-11 with Compatibility View (32-bit)
• Firefox 11.0-34.0
• Apple Mac OS X 10.6 or later (any Intel Mac)
• Google Chrome 5.0-39.0 (32-bit)
• Safari 3.1+
• Firefox 11.0-34

source: http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2014/12/announcing-deprecation-of-google-earth.html