New AI In Google Maps Is A Game Changer!

Google Maps massively upgraded its user experience with AI

Last Week Google announced a major upgrade to its Google Maps UX/UI by adding a number of new AI features. Let’s take a look at some of the major advancements.

AI Image Search

Google Maps now allows you to search through images. For example, let’s say you are in New York and want a cocktail that comes out lit on fire. You can search for “cocktail lit on fire” and Google Maps will automatically sift through all its restaurant photos and give you a list of bars and restaurants with photos of a cocktail on fire.

Want to see it in action? Check out the GIF below!

Google Maps Lens To Search Your Surroundings

This is a feature that was used as an example for practical applications of AR (augmented reality), but Google has taken it a step further with AI.

Let’s say you are traveling to a new city and aren’t familiar with your location. You can use Lens to hold your phone up and look around to find helpful landmarks like bus stops and ATMs. If you want to go to a shop or restaurant, Google Maps will automatically update to show you ratings, distance, hours, and other information relevant to the business.

The last time I was in a new city, I was trying to find a Ramen restaurant that was showing on Google Maps. But the restaurant’s sign was obscured from where I was standing. As a result, I spent extra time walking up and down the street trying to find it. This would have been a perfect time for me to use Lens instead.

Immersive Route Views

My favorite of the new features is immersive route views. Using AI, Google Maps lets you know details like traffic and weather conditions on the way to your upcoming destination.

But that’s not all! Google Maps now lets you experience an immersive 3D look at your planned route. That way you can visualize exactly where you need to go, regardless of whether you walk, bike, or drive.

With AI advancing at an incredible rate, Google Maps features will continue to get better and better. Can’t wait to see what the next round will have in store for us!

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