PALO ALTO, Calif. — Google Maps is embarking on a transformative journey powered by artificial intelligence, as announced on Thursday. This initiative aims to integrate advanced AI technologies, similar to those employed in Google’s leading search engine, into the navigation service that has been part of the tech giant’s portfolio for almost two decades.
Recently, Google Maps hit a remarkable achievement by exceeding 2 billion monthly users worldwide, highlighting the essential role the app plays in guiding individuals during their daily travels and explorations. With the introduction of the AI-driven Gemini technology, Google Maps is evolving to serve not solely as a navigation tool but also as a source of entertainment, enhancing the overall user experience.
Beginning this week, the new features will be available exclusively in the U.S., enabling users to interact with Google Maps using conversational queries. People can now seek recommendations for activities in specific neighborhoods or cities, allowing the app to generate lists of nearby eateries, bars, and attractions complete with user reviews accumulated over time. Additionally, users will receive comprehensive details about parking options at selected destinations as well as walking directions for when they are ready to leave their vehicles.
Miriam Daniel, the general manager of Google Maps, shared her insights with reporters during a preview event in Palo Alto, California, stating, “We are entering a new era of maps. We are transforming how you navigate and explore the world.” This bold declaration highlights Google Maps’ commitment to evolving with the demands of modern users.
To address previous user feedback, Google Maps is enhancing its visual features to provide clearer imagery, thus assisting drivers in determining the correct lane to be in before needing to make any turns. Moreover, Google is opening up its Gemini technology to external developers, allowing them to utilize its underlying language models. This will enable users to inquire about specific locations—such as apartments or eateries—and receive swift, accurate responses. Initially, this feature will go through a testing period and has undergone a rigorous fact-checking process termed “grounding.”
In addition to these offerings, Google’s Waze app, which specializes in real-time driving directions, will employ AI to facilitate a conversational method for its approximately 180 million monthly users to report road hazards and other travel-related issues.
The integration of AI into such a vital service underscores Google’s increasing confidence in its ability to mitigate the occurrence of inaccuracies, known as “hallucinations,” in its Gemini technology. There have been instances where the AI has produced false summaries, including odd suggestions like applying glue to pizza and incorrectly stating that James Madison, the fourth president of the U.S., graduated from the University of Wisconsin, which is named after him.
In summary, Google Maps is entering an exciting new phase that will revolutionize how users navigate, explore, and interact with their surroundings, as the company continues to strive for reliability and innovation within its extensive services.