They have had the 45 degree view for a long time. You can spin it around too to ...

jonknee on June 6, 2012 | parent | context | favorite | on: Live Blog: Google's 'next dimension' of Maps event

They have had the 45 degree view for a long time. You can spin it around too to view from different reference points (drag the N on the compass to see the other three available views or if you have WebGL just click the N).