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GOOGLE Maps is being injected with a dose of AI that could give every user their own personal tour guide.
The navigation app will soon let you uncover hidden gems in your local area, or a new destination, through conversation with an in-app AI.
Google is currently still in experimentation mode.
The tech giant says this is the “beginning of how [it’s] supercharging Maps with generative AI.”
But it is training its AI on data that covers more than 250million destinations, alongside the photos, ratings and reviews provided by Maps’ 300million users.
Maps will be able to search for and recommend much more niche locations than before.
For example, 9to5Google asked Maps: “Maps will suggest places that match the vintage vibe you’re looking for, like an old-school diner nearby.”
And Google Maps was successful in suggesting a spot with a so-called “vintage vibe”.
When can I use it?
The feature is rolling out to select US users in the coming weeks.
Those who will be able to use the feature are hardcore fans who are members of the Google Maps Local Guides contributor programme.
Google says the feature will be available for “everyone over time.”
Although it’s unclear Google’s exact timelines on rolling out the feature to those in the UK.
More Google Maps features
Google Maps has introduced a string of new features in recent months.
In December, the navigation app launched a sneaky new feature that hides travel activity.
This means the users who have their location history enabled will soon have that data saved directly on their devices, rather than on the company’s servers.
Several weeks before that, Maps users received an AI upgrade that helps them keep their eyes on the road.
The latest update offers 3D planned routes, orientation features, predicted weather details and more.
Nearly a year ago exactly, Google also introduced its 3D immersive view that lets users explore places outside and inside like they’re in a movie.
Fans can use it to get a feel for restaurants or see what the weather is like at popular destinations.
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