Google Maps gets boosted with AI features

Google Maps is launching a new generative AI tool to help users find new destinations.

Using large language models (LLMs), the new tool analyzes over 250 million Google Maps locations as well as contributions from over 300 million Local Guides to provide suggestions based on your search criteria. For example, to locate fashionable secondhand stores in San Francisco, search "places with a vintage vibe in SF," and Maps will offer shopping recommendations categorized by category, as well as "photo carousels and review summaries," according to the business. The new function is designed to seem more conversational than the typical search experience. If you ask a follow-up question, such as "How about lunch?" the AI will consider your past interest in vintage and recommend locations that fit your preferences, such as an old-school diner.

According to the company, the functionality should be able to create recommendations for even the most esoteric or particular queries.

The early access trial begins this week in the United States and will be available to chosen Local Guides, a Google community of individuals that offer reviews, facts, and photographs to Maps to assist other users with specific information about various areas. It will be available to other users in the near future. The business has not yet said which additional nations would get the functionality.

Google upgraded Maps in October to include AI-powered features such as photo results and location suggestions for queries like "things to do." The new generative AI function looks to be the next stage in Maps’ journey to being a destination for discovering new places rather than merely utilizing it for navigation.

"This is just the beginning of how we're supercharging Maps with generative AI," Google stated in a blog post.