Because Google can’t simply backtrack on the artificial intelligence (AI) hype, we’re the ones who have to suffer so Google’s line can go up. This time, it’s Google Maps’ turn to receive the AI treatment, supposedly employed to help its users find more places to visit. More so than the literal GPS, we mean.
It’s doing so by adding more than 150 new explorable cities to Immersive View, and a revitalised search that’ll give Google’s Gemini AI something to do. Just search whatever you’re looking for – using natural language, of course, like “places with a vintage vibe in SF” – and it’ll sort you out.
Putting AI on the map
The large-language models (LLMs) behind the curtain will pull off the feat by analysing “Maps’ detailed information about more than 250 million places and trusted insights from our community of over 300 million contributors to quickly make suggestions for where to go.” Whether it’ll do so successfully, remains to be seen and also depends on what you consider ‘successful’.
Should it work, it’ll sort the results into separate categories – like movie theatres, clothing stores, and flea markets – simultaneously compiling the various reviews into a single summary to convince you it’s good and definitely hasn’t been gamed by the shop owners looking for more foot traffic.
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Better yet, Google Maps’ AI can understand context, allowing users to ask follow-up questions. If you’re on the hunt for more thrift stores to rip off, and it starts to rain, for example, ask Google for a place to take cover in the SF area, and it’ll do it. Should it send you to the city’s seedy underbelly and into a club you’d see in GTA V, just rephrase the question to “What about options for kids?” and watch it clean up the results.
Don’t expect either the improved Immersive View or AI Maps functionality to hit South Africa anytime soon. Google hasn’t yet mentioned which cities will be supported in the new Immersive View, but we’re willing to be SA isn’t included. And those AI features? Those will get their start in the U.S. first, undergoing a trial at the hands of a “select” few unpaid Local Guides in the Google sphere.