Google Maps users will get a free 'supercharge' upgrade to help them discover hidden gems
GOOGLE Maps is injected with a dose of AI that allows every user to get their own personal guide.
The navigation app will soon let you discover hidden gems in your area or a new destination through a conversation with an in-app AI.
Google is currently still in experiment mode.
The tech giant says this is the “beginning of how [it’s] Boosting maps with generative AI.”
But it trains its AI on data covering more than 250 million destinations, in addition to the photos, ratings and reviews of Maps' 300 million users.
Maps will be able to search and recommend many more niche locations than before.
For example, 9to5Google asked Maps: “Maps will suggest places that match the vintage vibe you're looking for, like an old-fashioned restaurant nearby.”
And Google Maps managed to suggest a place with a so-called 'vintage vibe'.
When can I use it?
The feature will be rolled out to select US users in the coming weeks.
Those who can use this feature are hardcore fans who are members of the Google Maps Local Guides contribution program.
Google says the feature will be available to “everyone” over time.
Although it's unclear what Google's exact timelines are for rolling out the feature to people in the UK.
More Google Maps features
Google Maps has introduced a range of new features in recent months.
In December, the navigation app launched a sneaky new feature that hides travel activities.
This means that users who have their location history enabled will soon have their data stored directly on their devices, rather than on the company's servers.
A few weeks earlier, Maps users received an AI upgrade that allowed them to keep their eyes on the road.
The latest update brings 3D planned routes, orientation features, forecast weather details and more.
Exactly a year ago, Google also introduced its immersive 3D display that allows users to explore indoor and outdoor places as if they were in a movie.
Fans can use it to get an idea of restaurants or see what the weather is like in popular destinations.