Google Maps is getting an AI boost upgrade to be an even better navigation assistant and your personal tour guide
It looks like Google is going all-in on artificial intelligence (AI), and after rebranding its generative AI chatbot from Bard to Gemini, it’s now bringing generative AI recommendations to Google Maps.
The AI-powered recommendations will help Google Maps perform even better searches for a variety of destinations, and the feature could also function as an advisor, offering insights and tips on things like location, budgets, and weather. Once enabled, the feature will be accessible via search, just like existing Google Maps features. Currently it is only available to US users, but hopefully it will be rolled out worldwide very soon.
This upgrade to Google Maps is the latest step in Google’s stepped-up AI push, with developments such as AI functionality integrated into Google Workspace apps. We’ve also previously had hints that AI features and functions would be coming to Google Maps, such as an improved Local Guides feature. Local guides aims to synthesize and share local knowledge and experiences with users to help them discover new places.
What we know about how this feature works
Android Police got a first look about how users learned about the new AI-powered recommendations feature. A reader contacted the website and explained how they were given an option to do so Search with generative AI in their Google Maps search bar. When selected, a page opened that detailed how the new feature uses generative AI to make recommendations to you during a short onboarding exercise. To tap Get on opens the next page that offers users a list of suggested searches, such as nearby attractions they can go to to pass the time or good local restaurants.
Like ChatGPT, Google Maps also apparently includes tips at the bottom of the page to help you improve your search results. Users can add more details to refine their search, such as their budget, a place or area they have in mind, and what the weather will look like if they plan to go somewhere. If you select one of these suggested searches, Google Maps will explain the process of selecting specific businesses and locations to recommend.
When the user does not specify an area or region, Google Maps uses the user’s current location. However, if you want to localize your results to an area (whether you are there or not), be sure to include that in your search.
After users try the feature for the first time and complete the short introductory period in Maps, they can immediately access it from the search menu. According to Android Police, Search with generative AI appears below the horizontal menu showing your saved location, such as At home, Workand so forth.
A promising position with a lot of potential
Again, this feature is currently limited to people in the US, but we hope it will be available to users in other regions soon. In addition to AI recommendations, Google Maps is also getting a user interface redesign aimed at improving the user experience.
While I understand some users may be annoyed or overwhelmed by generative AI being injected into every part of our digital lives, this is an app I’d love to try if it comes equipped with AI. Furthermore, Google is very smart when it comes to improving the user experience of its apps, and I’m curious to see how the introduction of this feature turns out.