Google Maps, the biggest update in ten years arrives
There will be a new, much more detailed 3D view and Ask Maps, a new feature using Gemini artificial intelligence, will be introduced, which is only available in the US and India on Android and iOS devices for the time being. The rest of the new features are coming soon.
Key points
Google Maps has announced its biggest update in over a decade. The US brand is, in fact, launching a new driving experience known as immersive navigation in addition to unveiling a refreshed look and other interesting changes.
The new design stands out because users will display a 3D map that uses Street View information to create a more realistic representation of their surroundings, including buildings, overpasses and even the landscape.
Not only do the new maps look better than their predecessors, but they will help drivers better navigate unfamiliar places. The visualisation highlights significant elements such as lanes, pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and stop signs.
In addition to the attractive new design, other features have been added.
Firstly, a more natural voice guidance and intelligent zooms are included, as well as transparent buildings that will allow a preview of the next route, including complex turns and lane changes.
Another interesting update explains more about alternate routes.
As Google announced at the launch of the new Google Maps, it offers more than five million traffic updates per second, which means it is always looking for ways to offer the best possible route.
The latest version of Maps will also show alternative routes. Imagine you are travelling on the motorway and you have an accident up ahead. If you are stuck in traffic, Google will inform you of the accident and show you an alternative route or the nearest exit.
It doesn't sound so unusual, but this is where things get interesting. Indeed, Maps is able to explain which route is the least busy, but would add three minutes to the daily commute.
This will allow motorists to choose whether to get to their destination faster or avoid the traffic and the stress that goes with it. Finally, motorists will be able to prepare for future journeys with a preview function showing how to reach their destination. In addition, users will be able to view Street View images and receive advice on where to park.
The immersive navigation debuts, at least for the time being, only in the United States, but will soon spread to Android and iOS devices, as well as to the many vehicles that already use standard or optional Android Auto, Google Integrated and Apple CarPlay.
Users can ask all possible questions, even complex ones.
The other big update is the introduction of Ask Maps, based on the artificial intelligence of Gemini.
As the name suggests, users will be able to ask questions and get even complex answers about destinations, places to visit and restaurants.
It is useful, but it is underestimating the technology, as it can be used to plan multi-day holidays. Suppose we go on a three-day trip. Ask Maps can recommend an ideal route and its stops. It will also provide pictures and information about the route, such as tolls.
Maps can even suggest how to avoid certain full car parks. To process all these suggestions, Maps analyses information both from the web and from its database of more than 300 million places.
The technology takes into account the reviews of more than 500 million users.
Ask Maps will recognise you from previous Google Maps searches and saved locations. And it will help you customise recommendations based on what you like or are interested in.
Could you say something like: my friends are coming to meet me after work, is there a place with a cosy atmosphere and a table for 4 people at 7pm tonight?
Since Maps already knows what kind of restaurants you like, it will suggest options that suit you.
