November 10, 2010

White House launches interactive 'Virtual Tour'

: Image via Wikipedia

Virtual tour of white house

The White House is becoming more open to technology and visitors under President Barack Obama's administration and the latest proof is the 'Interactive White House Tour' launched on Tuesday.

The White House, which has long been a popular tourist destination, can now be toured virtually.

"President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are committed to opening the doors of the White House and truly making it the People's House," reads a welcome message on the tour.

While it is not a detailed 3dtour, there are little destinations that give people a map of the White House, including the Flower Shop, the White House Kitchen, the Library and the Diplomatic Room, among other things.

There are also video clippings accompanying some of the photographs and the spots, particularly the Oval Office, located in the West Wing and the hub of activity when the President is home.

The Office had been a topic of much non-work conversation when President Obama decided to redecorate the office. The new look was designed by decorator Michael Smith, featuring taupe patterned drapes and mixture of traditional and contemporary furniture.

All this and more is visible on the new online tours of the White House. Rooms like the 'Situation Room' – which is excluded in the real life tours – are also visible as a part of the virtual tour.

"…you're invited to do everything from cook with the New Orleans Saints in the White House kitchen, to peek inside the Situation Room, to watch the Jonas Brothers perform in the East Room and tour the first ever beehive on White House grounds with beekeeper Charlie Brandt — plus a lot more," the blog on the official White House website states.

The tour could be considered a minor victory for the President who has been intent on bringing in more technology to the White House.

The tech-savvy president fought for the right to use his Blackberry even after he became the President. He had said someone would have to 'pry it from his hands' before he would give it up. The device was considered a possible security concern.

Traditionally, U.S. presidents have shied away from using such means of communication. However, Obama said he wanted to be in touch with people.

Though he is only able to communicate with a handful of people through the Blackberry, he did finally win the right to carry a personal device, becoming the first U.S. President to do so.

By Amulya Nagaraj ibtimes.com