Google showcased a range of new AI-powered features and services at its Google I/O event in May. As part of these updates, Google Maps was promised a suite of new AI capabilities, including the fascinating Immersive View feature that provides users with a birds-eye view of their route. Now, Google has announced that “Immersive View for routes” and several other AI features are finally rolling out as part of a new Maps update. Additionally, Google is bringing Google Lens to Maps and adding more real-world information to navigation.
The new Immersive View for routes allows users to preview their route step-by-step while driving, walking, or cycling. The feature is currently available in select cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice, for both Android and iOS users. Users can plan their journey, decide when to leave based on helpful information in Immersive View, such as simulated traffic and weather conditions, using the time slider.
Immersive View provides a panoramic birds-eye perspective of the entire route, complete with turn-by-turn directions. This new feature brings a more engaging and immersive experience to Google Maps users.
Google is also introducing the Lens in Maps feature, previously known as Search with Live View, which allows users to understand their surroundings in real time. With a simple tap of the Lens icon, users can use their camera in Maps to find information about nearby shops, restaurants, or ATMs. This feature is expanding to over 50 new cities, including Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo, and Taipei.
In addition to these updates, Google is enhancing navigation on Google Maps by providing more real-world information. This includes updated colors throughout the map, more realistic buildings along the route, and improved lane details. These updates will be gradually rolled out in the coming months in 12 countries, including the US, Canada, France, and Germany.
For electric vehicle (EV) owners, Google is introducing improvements to provide more helpful charging station information. Users driving EVs with Google built-in will now be able to see whether a charger is compatible with their vehicle. This update will be available globally on both iOS and Android platforms in regions where EV charging station information is available.
Furthermore, Google is enhancing the search feature in Google Maps to provide users with more accurate and relevant results. Users will now receive photo-first results based on the analysis of billions of photos shared by the Google Maps community, utilizing AI and advanced image recognition models.
Google I/O 2023 emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, with the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, Google is incorporating AI technology to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system. To learn more about this and other tech topics, tune in to Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Unique Perspective:
In a world increasingly reliant on digital maps and navigation, the introduction of AI-powered features like Immersive View and Lens in Maps can greatly enhance the user experience. Immersive View, in particular, offers a whole new way to visualize and plan your route, making it easier and more enjoyable to navigate unfamiliar places. The incorporation of AI technology in Google Maps not only provides users with real-time information but also demonstrates the potential of AI in revolutionizing everyday tasks. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative features and seamless experiences in the field of navigation and mapping.
