You can get Google Earth Pro for free (http://www.cnet.com/news/get-google-earth-pro-for-free/). I tried it and it works! O0
Yeah, I saw that on the CNET Cheapskate newsletter. Pro regularly retails for $400 and has better resolution on many of the sat images. I wonder if google has plans to monetize GE Pro in some different way.
Here's the direct link: https://geoauth.google.com/gev0/free_trial.html.
Note to downloaders: ignore all the sign up fields and use the link at the top in the yellow bar to D/L instantly.
Wait...the URL says "free_trial." Does that mean this is only a 30 day freebie?
One never knows but there is a license key listed in the bar across the download page: "GEPFREE"
It's free but it's the 2013 version so there's not a lot more on offer than you get with basic Google Earth right now.
Grabbed it. Thank you for the heads-up. Looks awesome.