Advanced route planning and immersive view
With the fall update for Google Maps, Google is relying on artificial intelligence to help users plan and carry out their trips. The innovations include curated recommendations, improved navigation aids and an immersive map view based on realistic weather and traffic data.
New inspiration and travel ideas from Google AI Gemini
The update enriches Google Maps with curated ideas for excursion destinations. The Google AI Gemini used for this function analyzes reviews and local data to provide recommendations that are tailored to users’ interests and intentions.
For example, you can simply enter the question “What can I do with my friends tonight?” and receive tailored suggestions. The recommendations are based on AI-powered summaries that highlight the most popular features of a location to provide quick decision support.
Improved navigation and route planning
Navigation in Google Maps should become more precise and stress-free with the update. Especially in complex traffic situations with multiple lanes, you should be able to see more clearly which lane you need to choose in order to easily master turning situations.
In addition, new map views should clearly show road markings such as zebra crossings and traffic signs. This feature will be available worldwide for Android and iOS, but will initially launch in 30 major cities in the US in the next few weeks.
Weather information and parking information along the route
In the future, Google Maps will also display weather information that is relevant to the selected route. Flooded streets or visibility impairments will be visible directly on the map, and potential traffic disruptions along the planned route can be reported with just a few clicks. Parking spaces near the destination and walking directions from the parking lot to the destination are also displayed.
Advanced Immersive View for realistic experiences
The already known “Immersive View” function will be expanded to other cities worldwide. Users can see traffic situations and weather conditions in real time for 150 cities, including Frankfurt, Brussels and Tokyo. This is particularly helpful on demanding routes, as it provides advance notice of more difficult sections of the journey. University campuses are also mapped, for example to enable virtual campus tours.
Waze integrates voice control
In addition to Google Maps, the subsidiary app Waze also benefits from AI extensions. A new function called “Conversational Reporting” makes it possible to record traffic reports or incidents directly via voice control.
The updates for Google Maps will be rolled out gradually over the coming months. More information and details about the new features there is this blog post from Google.
Source: www.connect.de
