It seems that Google is betting on artificial intelligence (AI) and, after renaming its generative AI chatbot from Bard to Gemini, it is now bringing generative AI recommendations to Google Maps.
AI-assisted recommendations will help Google Maps perform even better searches for a variety of destinations, and the feature can also supposedly function as an advisor who can offer information and advice on things like location, budgets, and weather. Once the feature is enabled, it can be accessed through the search function, just like existing Google Maps features. It is currently only available for US users, but is expected to launch globally very soon.
This update to Google Maps is the latest step in Google's accelerated AI push, which has seen developments like AI functionality built into Google Workspace apps. We've also had hints before that AI features and functions would be coming to Google Maps, such as an improved Local Guides feature. Local Guides aims to synthesize local knowledge and experiences and share them with users to help them discover new places.
What we know about how this feature works
Android Police got the first look at how the new AI-powered recommendations feature was introduced to users. A reader contacted the website and explained how they were given the option to Search with generative AI in your Google Maps search bar. When selected, a page opened detailing how the new feature uses generative AI to give you recommendations in a short onboarding exercise. touching Continue opens the next page that provides users with a list of suggested queries, such as nearby attractions they can go to to pass the time or good local restaurants.
Similar to ChatGPT, Google Maps also apparently includes tips at the bottom of that page to help you improve your search results. Users can add more details to fine-tune their search, such as their budget, a place or area they may have in mind, and the weather when they plan to go somewhere. If you select one of these suggested queries, Google Maps will explain how you would go through the process of selecting specific businesses and locations to recommend.
When the user does not specify an area or region, Google Maps falls back to using the user's current location. However, if you want to localize your results to an area (whether it's there or not), you'll need to mention it in your search.
After users try the feature for the first time and complete the brief onboarding in Maps, they can access it instantly through the search menu. According to Android Police, Search with generative AI It will appear below the horizontal menu that lists your saved location, such as Home, Worketc.
A promising feature with a lot of potential.
Again, this feature is currently restricted to people in the US, but we expect it to open up to users in other regions very soon. Along with AI recommendations, Google Maps is also receiving a user interface redesign aimed at improving the user experience.
While I understand that some users may feel annoyed or overwhelmed with the injection of generative AI into every part of our digital lives, this is an app I would like to try when equipped with AI. Additionally, Google is very smart when it comes to improving the user experience of its apps and I'm excited to see how the introduction of this feature plays out.
