Google has announced the addition of new generative AI features to its Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze applications. These updates aim to provide users with a more intuitive and interactive experience. In Google Maps, users can now seek inspiration on various activities and destinations through the Gemini AI model.
For example, inquiries such as “things to do with friends at night” will yield curated suggestions, complete with summarized reviews of potential locations. Users can also follow up with questions like where to park or if a venue offers outdoor seating, making trip planning simpler and more efficient. The Waze app has also received an update with the integration of Conversational Reporting.
This feature allows users to report incidents such as traffic jams, potholes, and accidents by simply tapping the reporting button and speaking naturally.
Gemini AI transforms Google navigation
The Gemini AI model processes these reports in real time, adding them to the map and even prompting users with follow-up questions to better categorize the incident.
This feature will initially launch in beta for select English-speaking users before expanding to a broader audience. For urban planners and developers, Google Earth has been enhanced with new generative AI capabilities. The updates provide access to real-world information, helping professionals solve geospatial problems more efficiently.
Starting next month, Gemini capabilities will be integrated into Google Earth, allowing for deeper, city-level insights and reducing the time needed to analyze data. These tools are grounded in Google’s extensive place data, updating from the 250 million locations in Google Maps to produce more factual and current responses. These advancements in AI technology demonstrate Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience and streamlining information processing across its applications.
The company remains competitive in the AI space, positioning itself alongside other major tech firms in bringing sophisticated AI capabilities to everyday devices and applications.
