Google Is Adding Exciting AI Updates To Its Popular Virtual Map Apps

• Three popular Google map apps - Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze will be getting exciting new AI features.

• Out of these three, only the Google Maps updates will roll out to everyone whereas the Google Earth and Waze updates will only roll out to Google's trusted testers for now.

Google has decided to bring AI features to its virtual map platforms which include Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze. The features will be delivered and supported through Gemini, the company's in-house AI chatbot. Here's what the new additions will look like

Google Maps

Google Maps has already been using AI to enhance user experience. Think of the Lens feature that lets you point at a street with your camera to get more information on nearby restaurants or stores.

But now, Google will also allow you to ask more conversation questions to the app. For instance, in the demo, the company asked for recommendations on things to do on a night in Boston. The app responded with a list of tailored activities along with a summary of user reviews on each location.

When you finally reach your destination, the tool will also direct you to the nearest parking spot and then switch to pedestrian mode once you get out of the car and are ready to head to the spot. This feature comes with augmented reality in case you need more help finding your way.

The update will also come with a feature called Add Stops" that will let you add stops on the way to your main destination - perfect for exploring new places on your next holiday.

Other than this, weather reports and more detailed views of over 150 cities will also be added.

These features are expected to be available for both Android and iOS users this week. After this, the company has also promised to work on adding more descriptive route information for some metropolitan cities.

Google Earth

Google Earth is a program that renders a 3D image of the Earth using satellite imagery. Here too, users will be able to ask more detailed, contextual questions.

For example, you can ask Map the five zip codes with the fewest EV chargers relative to their geographic area size" and the app will create the necessary image.

However, unlike the updates of Google Maps, this won't be available to everyone. You'll need to sign up for Google Earth's trusted tester program.

Waze

Waze will now come with a conversational reporting feature. Just simply tap the reporting button on your screen and speak naturally to report traffic, accidents, or pothole issues

The update will also make it easier for map editors to add school zones and will notify the users when they pass through one.

However, just like Google Earth, these updates won't be available to everyone. At least not right away. For now, it will be rolled out to Waze's trusted testers only.

Will This Data Be Accurate?

When it comes to AI, accuracy has always been a major concern. Talking about the same, Chris Phillips, VP and general manager of Geo at Google said that Gemini will not be generating the answers itself.

Instead, it will be using the massive map database that the company has created over the years. This data set is managed and fact-checked by Google's internal team, so there's no need to worry about accuracy.

The post Google Is Adding Exciting AI Updates To Its Popular Virtual Map Apps appeared first on Techreport.