Google Maps, the navigation app used by billions worldwide, is getting the generative AI treatment. A new feature powered by generative AI is being tested by the tech giant, which helps users discover new places like restaurants and bars, and even provides shopping recommendations.
In a recent blog post, Google announced that its Maps service will be utilizing large language models (LLM) to analyze over 250 million locations and contributions from over 300 million Local Guides. The technology giant explained that Maps will use information from nearby businesses and places along with their photos, reviews, and ratings to determine if it is what the user is looking for and offer personalized recommendations based on those factors.
This means that if a user searches for vintage-themed merchandise, Maps will display results organized into different categories such as cloth stores, flea markets, and vinyl shops, with corresponding photo carousels and summaries of reviews to help users make informed decisions about which locations to visit.
Google is introducing a new feature to its Maps service that utilizes generative AI to give users personalized recommendations based on their previous searches and questions. The tech giant has revealed that users can now ask follow-up questions like ‘How about lunch?’ to receive suggestions for places that match their previous questions. They can also add these places to their list or share them with their friends.
Google explained that users can ask Maps questions like “What activities can I do on a rainy day?” to receive suggestions for indoor activities like comedy shows or movie theatres in their area along with reviews from other users who have already rated the place.
Initially, this new functionality will be available to Local Guides residing in the United States, but Google has not yet shared information about when it will be available for users living in other countries.
While it is still unclear how the new search results will be different from traditional search queries, chances are that the company will use generative AI to offer conversational Bard-style replies instead of showing a list of places they can visit or activities to do. Google has stated that this is the start of integrating generative AI and that there will be more AI-powered features in the future.
