Google Maps, the widely-used digital mapping service, is embarking on a new journey driven by artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic shift aims to integrate the groundbreaking AI technology that Google has been incorporating into its search engine into its mapping service, which was launched almost two decades ago as part of the company's expansion endeavors.
Recently surpassing 2 billion monthly users globally, Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for individuals relying on its directions for daily commutes and exploration of new locations. With the introduction of Google's AI-powered Gemini technology, the maps are evolving into not just navigational aids but also entertainment guides.
Starting this week in the U.S., users will have the ability to interact with Google Maps to seek recommendations on activities around specific areas and receive curated lists of nearby restaurants, bars, and attractions, complete with accumulated reviews. Additionally, users will now have access to detailed parking information near their destination and walking directions post-parking.
Google Maps is enhancing its visual offerings by providing more detailed imagery to assist users in determining the correct lane well in advance of making a turn. Furthermore, the service is opening up its language models underlying Gemini technology to external developers, enabling users to ask questions about particular destinations and receive prompt responses.
Meanwhile, Google's Waze maps, focusing on real-time driving directions, will leverage AI to allow its users to report road hazards and other issues affecting travel times in a conversational manner.
This move to infuse AI into a critical service like Google Maps underscores the company's confidence in the reliability of its Gemini technology to prevent the dissemination of false or misleading information, commonly referred to as 'hallucinations.' Google has taken steps to ensure the accuracy of information provided through its AI, including a fact-checking process known as 'grounding.'
As the world of mapping enters a new era, Google Maps is poised to revolutionize how individuals navigate and explore the world, offering a seamless blend of functionality and entertainment.
