Google Maps has reached a new milestone and is getting three major updates, including the ones powered by its AI model Gemini. According to the company, Maps is now used by over 2 billion people monthly. Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared a post on X sharing the latest information.
“Exciting week for @GoogleMaps. Hit the 2B monthly user mark, and now you can ask Maps more complex questions, thanks to Gemini’s creation, reasoning + summarization capabilities, grounded in our knowledge of 250M+ places around the world,” he said in a post on X
“By using AI to analyse billions of images, alongside data from local partners and our community, we’re able to make over 100 million updates to the map every single day. So whether you’re travelling the world or across town, you’re seeing the most up-to-date information possible,” Google Maps said.
Three features coming to Google Maps
Google has also announced that it is integrating its powerful Gemini AI models into Maps, enabling users to get more personalised recommendations, explore routes in greater detail, and receive answers to complex questions about their surroundings.
Enhanced exploration and discovery with Gemini
With Gemini, users can now ask Maps open-ended questions like “things to do with friends at night” and receive curated recommendations tailored to their preferences. The AI can also summarise reviews, providing quick insights into what others like about a place.
Additionally, users can ask detailed questions about specific locations, such as whether they offer outdoor seating or have a quiet atmosphere, and receive instant answers. Google says that these capabilities are powered by Gemini's advanced abilities combined with Google's database of over 250 million places and insights from the Maps community.
These features start rolling out in the US on Android and iOS this week, and similar experiences are coming in the coming months on Search.
Updates to navigation features
Google Maps is also introducing a major update to its navigation features, aimed at making driving easier and more intuitive. Users can now explore points of interest along their route before starting their journey, including landmarks, attractions and dining options.
Another feature that aims to enhance navigation is the information about clearer visuals of lanes, crosswalks, and road signs. This will help drivers anticipate upcoming manoeuvres or turns and avoid last-minute lane changes that usually cause jams. The update also includes the ability to see and report weather-related disruptions, such as flooded roads or low visibility conditions.
Thirdly, arrival guidance has also been improved, with features like highlighted parking lots, parking reminders and walking directions from the car to the final destination. Users can even access Street View or AR walking navigation to quickly orient themselves upon arrival.
These features will start rolling out globally on Android and iOS this week. Enhanced navigation starts rolling out next month on Android and iOS in over 30 metro areas.
Immersive View expands to more cities
Immersive View, which provides AI-powered 3D visualisations of places and routes, is expanding to 150 cities globally. New categories of places, such as college campuses, are also being added, offering users a unique way to explore and experience locations virtually.
“Exciting week for @GoogleMaps. Hit the 2B monthly user mark, and now you can ask Maps more complex questions, thanks to Gemini’s creation, reasoning + summarization capabilities, grounded in our knowledge of 250M+ places around the world,” he said in a post on X
Exciting week for @GoogleMaps. Hit the 2B monthly user mark, and now you can ask Maps more complex questions, thanks to Gemini’s creation, reasoning + summarization capabilities, grounded in our knowledge of 250M+ places around the world.https://t.co/0c9sJ7OoJf
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 31, 2024
“By using AI to analyse billions of images, alongside data from local partners and our community, we’re able to make over 100 million updates to the map every single day. So whether you’re travelling the world or across town, you’re seeing the most up-to-date information possible,” Google Maps said.
Three features coming to Google Maps
Google has also announced that it is integrating its powerful Gemini AI models into Maps, enabling users to get more personalised recommendations, explore routes in greater detail, and receive answers to complex questions about their surroundings.
Enhanced exploration and discovery with Gemini
With Gemini, users can now ask Maps open-ended questions like “things to do with friends at night” and receive curated recommendations tailored to their preferences. The AI can also summarise reviews, providing quick insights into what others like about a place.
Additionally, users can ask detailed questions about specific locations, such as whether they offer outdoor seating or have a quiet atmosphere, and receive instant answers. Google says that these capabilities are powered by Gemini's advanced abilities combined with Google's database of over 250 million places and insights from the Maps community.
These features start rolling out in the US on Android and iOS this week, and similar experiences are coming in the coming months on Search.
Updates to navigation features
Google Maps is also introducing a major update to its navigation features, aimed at making driving easier and more intuitive. Users can now explore points of interest along their route before starting their journey, including landmarks, attractions and dining options.
Another feature that aims to enhance navigation is the information about clearer visuals of lanes, crosswalks, and road signs. This will help drivers anticipate upcoming manoeuvres or turns and avoid last-minute lane changes that usually cause jams. The update also includes the ability to see and report weather-related disruptions, such as flooded roads or low visibility conditions.
Thirdly, arrival guidance has also been improved, with features like highlighted parking lots, parking reminders and walking directions from the car to the final destination. Users can even access Street View or AR walking navigation to quickly orient themselves upon arrival.
These features will start rolling out globally on Android and iOS this week. Enhanced navigation starts rolling out next month on Android and iOS in over 30 metro areas.
Immersive View expands to more cities
Immersive View, which provides AI-powered 3D visualisations of places and routes, is expanding to 150 cities globally. New categories of places, such as college campuses, are also being added, offering users a unique way to explore and experience locations virtually.
