Google Maps is getting several new AI features powered by Gemini. These features, announced Thursday, aim to deliver more relevant information on the go and showcase curated inspirations that users can check out to learn more about the area and what they can do. In addition, the global view, which displays nearby buildings as well as the weather while planning a trip, is also being expanded to 150 cities around the world. These features are currently rolling out in the US, and are expected to be available in more regions in the future.
Google Maps is getting new AI-powered features from Gemini
In a Blog postthe Mountain View-based tech giant has detailed new features coming to Google Maps. Google highlighted that AI today helps the company make more than 100 million map updates every day, allowing users to see the latest information while traveling.
The first new feature is called Inspiration. Users can now ask Google Maps for “things to do” in an area, and using Gemini AI models, it can organize the most relevant information. For example, users can ask about “things to do with friends at night,” and maps will show places with live music, special events, and more. These places are displayed as separate cards, and if users have specific questions about places such as whether they are wheelchair accessible and whether they are suitable for children, they can ask questions on the maps and get the relevant response.
Google said that this feature will begin rolling out to users in the United States on Android and iOS this week. A similar feature will also be added to search, along with AI-powered review summaries and the ability to ask detailed questions about places.
Navigation is also being upgraded by Google. Maps will now display lanes, crosswalks, and road signs on the map to help users better navigate unfamiliar roads. It will also show which lane the car should be in to avoid last-minute merging hassles. To make trips more enjoyable, users, when planning a trip, can click on Add stop And see the top landmarks, attractions and dining options along the marked route. The enhanced navigation system is being deployed in 30 metro areas and will be expanded in the future.
Users will also be able to see and report weather disturbances such as flooded roads, reduced visibility, and unpaved roads. Furthermore, the Access Guidance feature will now display nearby parking lots and remind users to save their parking spots so they don’t forget their car’s location. After parking, the navigation system will automatically show the walking direction from the car to the entrance.
Also getting an update is Immersive View, the new AI experience that lets users see the track as they appear in real life. It will now show the weather and traffic conditions for the day and time the user plans to visit. This feature is now being expanded to include 150 cities worldwide. The comprehensive view of the roads will also show where the car is parked and whether there is a complex turn ahead.
The feature will be rolled out this week on Android and iOS where global route viewing is available.
