Google maps

An email reminded me that a lot of people may not know about one of Google's many services: maps.
Introduced nearly four months ago, Google offers maps as well as free, eye-in-the-sky satellite images, directions and search listings for the US.
Beginning April, the map service, directions and search facilities were extended to the UK -- but no satellite images. No indication either, as yet, that Google will extend the service[s] to cover anywhere else.
Thanks, Nick G!

Update. Google now has free satellite images of UK, and elsewhere. But the images I've looked at don't zoom down anywhere like as much as the images for the US. Not for Birmingham, anyway. Outsiders might say that perhaps Brum is better as a blur. To that I say, take no notice of such no-nothing nincompoops and ne'er-do-wells.
You can also roll the Google Map to other parts of the world. And zoom in. Somewhat. But keying in Paris, Dusseldorf, Hong Kong, Beijing, Koh Samui, Boracay, Wherever, won't get you anywhere. Well, it didn't get me anywhere. And, I've also been trying to find a little island in the South China Sea. To no avail.
If you can find a way to do that using Google Maps, please let me know. Meantime, Nick G, thanks for additional information and corrections!