While Apple hasn’t updated Maps much, Google is counterattacking by boosting Maps, its star mapping and navigation application. On the menu of new features unveiled this October 31: an improved driving experience from A to Z, weather alerts on the road and the integration of Gemini, the Mountain View firm’s in-house AI, to find good outing tips.
Google Maps wants to make your car journeys more stress-free, from planning to arriving at your destination. Starting this week, a clearly visible “Add stops” button will make it easy to include stops on your route (restaurants, cafes, gas stations, etc.). No more unexpected detours.
But it is especially while driving that Maps will improve. From November, in around thirty metropolises, navigation will be more precise and detailed. The map will better display lanes, pedestrian crossings and signs. A blue line will tell you exactly which lane to position yourself in for your next maneuver. Practical to avoid missing an exit. Upon arrival, Maps will highlight nearby parking lots and prompt you to save your vehicle’s location. The walk to the entrance to the building will even be guided in augmented reality.
Gemini, the new ally for your outings
But the real star of this update is Gemini. Google’s conversational AI comes to Maps to help you find trending places. All you need to do is submit a request in natural language such as “quiet bar with friends this evening” to obtain personalized suggestions, based on user reviews.
You can even ask specific questions about the recommended establishments. Gemini will also generate review summaries for each location, to quickly identify the atmosphere and the strong points. This Gemini integration is currently reserved for the United States on Android and iOS, but should quickly expand. Google also promises to use its AI to summarize reviews directly in its search engine.
At the same time, Google is extending its immersive 3D view, combining satellite images and Street View, to 150 cities. For its part, Waze is testing reporting incidents by voice. The Californian firm does not skimp to stay one step ahead of Apple in the highly strategic sector of cartography.
Download the free app Google Maps
