Google Maps Receives AI-Powered New Features

Onsa MustafaLast Updated: Oct 27, 2023

Google Maps has recently introduced a series of innovative AI-powered features, enhancing user experiences in numerous ways. These enhancements encompass an enriched Street View experience, integration of augmented reality (AR) through Lens in Maps, comprehensive search features, and more. Here’s a breakdown of these new features in Google Maps:

1. Immersive View for Routes: At this year’s I/O event, Google introduced Immersive View for routes. This feature is gradually rolling out in various global cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice on Android and iOS platforms. Immersive View for routes merges thousands of Street View and aerial images to offer users a preview of restaurants and landmarks prior to their visit.

2. Photorealistic 3D Tiles: Developers now have the capability to create unique immersive experiences on the Google Maps Platform. Google has recently introduced Photorealistic 3D Tiles, enabling developers to craft innovative content.

Google Maps Receives AI-Powered New Features

3. Lens in Maps: Formerly known as Search with Live View. Lens in Maps is a feature that combines AI and augmented reality to assist users in navigating their surroundings, whether they’re exploring a new city or local areas. Users can simply tap the Lens icon in the search bar, raising their phone to access information about nearby ATMs, public transit stations, restaurants, cafes, and stores. This feature is now available in over 50 additional cities, such as Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo, Taipei, and more.

4. Enhanced Maps: Google is set to provide a more precise representation of the real world on navigation maps. This includes refreshed map colours and improved depictions of buildings. Highways will feature enhanced lane details, ensuring users are well-prepared for turns. These updates will be gradually introduced in 12 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, and Germany.

5. EV Charging Station Data: Google is expanding features for vehicles with Google integration, particularly electric vehicle (EV) drivers using Android and iOS. Users can now access detailed information about charging stations. It includes compatibility with their specific EV model and charging speed options categorized as fast, medium, or slow. This feature also provides the last usage status of a charger, helping users avoid inactive stations.

6. AI-Powered Visual Search: Google has introduced a visual search feature in Maps that provides photo-first results for specific queries. Users can easily find places of interest that match their preferences by browsing through search results, selecting a photo for more information, and initiating navigation. This feature is available in France, Germany, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S., with plans for further expansion.

These enhancements in Google Maps aim to offer users a more immersive and informative experience, from detailed navigation to personalized visual search results.