Google is introducing numerous new updates to Maps, which include user-friendly AI-powered features for simplifying searching, exploring, and reaching destinations. The company aims to enhance the ease of finding nearby items by offering inspiration for activities, updating the navigation interface, providing more information to EV drivers about chargers, and extending previously announced features to additional cities.
The tech giant improves Search in Maps for effortless discovery of nearby items. When you search for something like “animal latte art,” you’ll see photo results matching your query. These results rely on AI and advanced image recognition models analyzing user-shared photos on Google Maps. Google’s intention is to facilitate the discovery of locations that offer what you seek. If you find a picture of appealing animal latte art, you can click on it to learn more about the coffee shop and navigate there.
Google Maps Will Receive New Search Updates Powered by AI
Google is introducing a new way to search in Maps this week, starting in France, Germany, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. The company intends to expand this feature to more countries in the future.
If you have some free time and aren’t sure what you want to do, you will soon notice more organized search results for nearby activities. For example, if you’re in Tokyo and need ideas, you can search for “things to do” and find suggestions like “anime,” “cherry blossoms,” or “art exhibitions.” You can click on these places to get directions or save them for later. This update, designed to assist you in discovering activities and dining options, will become available on Android and iOS worldwide in the coming weeks
Google also revealed that the Maps navigation interface will soon provide a more accurate depiction of your surroundings. For example, it will display more lifelike buildings to help you navigate downtown with greater ease. Additionally, you’ll notice enhanced lane information when driving on the highway, which will be especially helpful when you need to change lanes swiftly to make your exit. These improvements are set to launch in the next few months across 12 countries, such as the U.S., Canada, France, and Germany.
In the U.S., drivers will begin checking for HOV lanes on their route. In Europe, Google is extending its AI-powered speed limit information to 20 countries. Both of these features will be available on Android, iOS, and in cars with Google built-in in the coming months.
Google’s Latest Enhancements for Android and iOS Users
Additionally, EV drivers using Android and iOS will access more information about the charging stations displayed on their map. This information will include compatibility with their vehicle, charging speed options (fast, medium, or slow), and the last usage status to ensure functionality and avoid driving to a non-functional charger.
As part of today’s announcement, Google is extending some of its current AI-powered features to more cities. Immersive View for Routes, which allows you to preview your journey whether you’re driving or walking, is expanding to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice on Android and iOS.
Google is expanding the availability of Lens in Maps, formerly called Search with Live View, to over 50 new cities, such as Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo, and Taipei. This feature employs AI and augmented reality to simplify the comprehension of your environment and discover details about nearby ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, and more.
