It appears to be like like Google Maps is getting a cool new function that’ll make use of generative AI that will help you discover your city – grouping completely different areas to make it simpler to search out eating places, particular retailers, and cafes. In different phrases, no extra sitting round and mulling over the place you need to go at present!
Android Authority did an APK teardown (which mainly means decompiling binary code inside a program right into a programming language that may be learn usually) which hints at some new options on the horizon. The code throughout the Google Maps beta included point out of generative AI, which led Android Authority to Google Labs. In the event you’re unfamiliar with Google Labs, it’s a platform the place customers can experiment with Google’s present in-development instruments and AI initiatives, like Gemini Chrome extensions and music ‘Time Journey’.
So, what precisely is that this new function that has me so excited? Say you’re actually craving a candy deal with. As a substitute of going again to your common cease or just Googling ‘candy treats close to me’, you’ll be capable of ask Google Maps for precisely what you’re on the lookout for and the app provides you with solutions for close by locations that supply it. Naturally, it’s going to additionally offer you footage, scores, and critiques from different customers that you need to use to decide.
Candy deal with treasure hunter
I completely love the thought and I actually hope we get to see the function come to life as somebody who has a behavior of going to the identical locations over and over as a result of I both don’t know any options or simply haven’t found different elements of my metropolis. The brand new function has the potential to supply a critical improve to Google Maps’ extra particular location search skills, past merely typing within the identify of the store you need or deciding on a obscure group like ‘Eating places’ as you’ll be able to at the moment.
You’ll be capable of see your outcomes into classes, and if you need extra in-depth suggestions you’ll be able to ask follow-up inquiries to slim down your search – a lot in the identical approach that AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot can ‘keep in mind’ your earlier chat historical past to offer extra context-sensitive outcomes. I typically discover myself craving slightly cake or a scrumptious cookie, so if I would like that particular deal with I can specify to the app what I’m craving and get a personalised record of reviewed suggestions.
We’re but to search out out when precisely to anticipate this new function, and with out an official announcement, we will’t be 100% sure that it’ll ever make a public launch. Nonetheless, I’m certain it could be a very talked-about addition to Google Maps, and I can’t wait to find new locations in my city with the assistance of an AI navigator.