Google Maps is getting these new Gemini-powered AI features
Google Maps is getting several new artificial intelligence (AI) features powered by Gemini. These features, announced Thursday, aim to provide more relevant information during navigation and present curated inspirations that users can view to learn more about the place and what to do. In addition, Immersive View, which shows nearby buildings and weather while planning a trip, is also expanding to 150 cities around the world. These features are currently rolling out to the US and are expected to be available in more regions in the future.
Google Maps gets new Gemini AI-powered features
In one blog postthe Mountain View-based tech giant has detailed the new features of Google Maps. Google highlighted that AI today helps the company make more than 100 million updates to the map every day, allowing users to see the most up-to-date information while traveling.
The first new feature is called Inspirations. Users can now ask Google Maps what there is to do in an area, and using Gemini AI models, Google Maps can gather the most relevant information. For example, users can ask for “things to do with friends at night,” and Maps will show you places with live music, special events, and more. These places are displayed as individual maps and if users have specific questions about the places, such as whether they are wheelchair accessible and child-friendly, they can ask Maps and get a relevant answer.
Google said this feature will roll out to US users on Android and iOS this week. A similar feature will also be added to Search, along with the AI-powered review summaries and the ability to ask detailed questions about places.
The navigation is also being upgraded by Google. Maps now show lanes, crossings and road signs on the map, helping users better navigate unfamiliar routes. It also shows which lane the vehicle should be in to avoid last-minute merging hassles. To make the trips more fun, users can tap when planning a trip add stops and see the main sights, attractions and dining options along the selected route. Enhanced navigation is being rolled out to 30 metro areas and will be expanded in the future.
Users can also see and report weather disruptions such as flooded roads, poor visibility and unplowed roads. Additionally, the arrival guidance feature now shows nearby parking spaces and reminds users to save their parking spot so they don’t forget their vehicle’s location. After parking, the navigation system automatically indicates the direction of the car to the entrance.
Immersive View, the new AI experience that allows users to see the route as it looks in real life, is also getting an update. It now shows the weather and traffic conditions on the day and time the user plans to visit. The feature is now expanding to 150 cities worldwide. Immersive View for routes also shows where you can park and whether a complex turn is coming up.
This feature is rolling out this week on Android and iOS, where Immersive View for Routes is available.
