Google Maps launches a New Generative AI feature to improve discovery.
Google has revealed that new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered upgrades to Google Maps will be available soon with the goal of assisting users in finding new locations.
According to each user’s unique needs, a customized recommendation system powered by generative AI will provide results. To generate travel recommendations, it analyzes over 250 million locations on Google Maps and contributions from over 300 million users using large language models (LLMs). This week, a few US Local Guides will get access to Google Maps’ generative AI feature.
Alphabet-owned Google Maps will now include a new generative AI capability, according to a blog post published on Friday (February 2). The new tool will help users explore new places and make tailored suggestions based on their unique requirements. The new tool will use large-language models (LLMs) to analyze Maps’ rich information on over 250 million places, as well as trusted insights from a community of over 300 million contributors, to swiftly create recommendations for where to visit.
Select Local Guides in the United States who voluntarily offer reviews, images, answers to inquiries, fact-checking, and other content to Google Maps can use the generative AI function starting this week.
Following feedback from these engaged Google Maps community members, the new capability will be rolled out more widely.
Google’s official release post includes a few instances of how the generative AI search tool is being used. If a user is visiting San Francisco and wants to plan a few hours of thrifting for unique vintage finds, they can tell Maps what they’re looking for, such as “places with a vintage vibe in SF,” and the AI models will analyze Maps’ information about nearby businesses and places, as well as photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community, to make recommendations.
Users will also get results organized by category, photo carousels, and review summaries. The conversation can be continued with follow-up inquiries such as “How about lunch?” and the AI feature will recommend venues that match the users’ preferences. Google promises that the AI-powered feature would make it easier to discover and explore areas across the world using Maps.
