Google has announced several new features for Google Maps, bringing its Gemini AI assistant to even more of its suite of apps. Users looking for ideas on places to go on the map can now ask a conversational question about the type of place they want and get answers from Gemini. Maps can also use artificial intelligence to answer more in-depth queries about a specific locale. When you look at a location on a map, Gemini can also provide a summary of reviews. These AI-powered features will be available in the Maps app on Android and iOS starting this week.
The Introduced last year, the Maps feature is growing. Google can now apply artificial intelligence to predict what places will look like on the date and time a person will be there. Immersive View will be available in 150 cities internationally, including Brussels, Kyoto and Frankfurt. New location categories such as college campuses are also being added.
Driving directions are also updated. A button to add stops to driving directions will allow users to discover landmarks or stops along their route. Navigation has also been improved to show more precise details about potentially tricky areas of the route, such as clearer directions about which lane to be in or when to merge. The enhanced driving experience will be available on both Android and iOS, with the rollout starting next month in more than 30 metro areas.
Waze is also getting the Gemini treatment in today’s announcements. Conversational Reporting, which will allow drivers to use natural language to alert the app about road hazards or delays. Why limit AI to Maps when it can be all over the planet? Google Earth is also getting generative AI tools aimed at urban planners with fast access to data.
