So do you think Microsoft will one day upgrade Windows Maps and maybe even BING Online Maps to use the new MSFS engine (a reduced version of course)? It could really give Google a blow and give Microsoft an impulse to buy more photogrammetry data like Google does. Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to see other parts of the world along with a realistic presentation of the actual weather over there? As we can already see, the presentation of the world is miles ahead of Google Maps/Earth, so it would be a slightly missed chance if they wouldn't do anything with it.

They could also use the opportunity to bring their mapping solution to the XBOX, which would give it another impulse. I can also see companies taking advantage of a PRO version for creating video footage for their presentations and promotional material. And maybe they can license their engine to other parties like flight trackers (wouldn't that be wonderful?)

6 minutes ago, Raymond.Groenendijk said:

So do you think Microsoft will one day upgrade Windows Maps and maybe even BING Online Maps to use the new MSFS engine (a reduced version of course)?

There are plenty of us who think that the reason behind Microsoft re-starting development on Flight Sim is as a technology demonstration for Maps, Azure AI and / or streaming.

If it is a demonstrator for maps, then yes, I can totally believe that a pared down version will be available for commercial uses sooner rather than later. The list is endless - from simple map viewing to a full-on immersive training environment.
One potential use may include eventually licencing it for TV / Film production to save on location shoot costs. Who knows where this tech could lead?

It's fantastic that flight simmers are getting a (seemingly) huge improvement over current sim offerings, but I believe that the really big bucks will come from alternative professional uses.

I could certainly see Microsoft using this new tech for other applications, it has incredible potential.  In addition to a Bing Maps module it could even work for a Train Simulator or a world driving simulator of some kind (Microsft Truck Simulator?).  It's early iterations work best for a flight sim due to the altitude partially negating resolution issues over the sat images, but with AI processing improving ground level detail it could work well for ground level games too.