Google Maps code indicates that a chatbot is being tested in the maps application. Enough to surf conversational agents like ChatGPT to highlight community recommendations.
With the popularization of generative AI, it is becoming more and more common to chat with a computer. Chatbots are multiplying and can now be found in many programs. Soon, Google Maps could be in charge.
“You are talking to a chatbot”
The information comes from the AndroidAuthority site which found some interesting elements by digging into the source code of the Google Maps application in version 11.105 beta on Android. Certain character strings — still unused — very clearly evoke the integration of this chatbot. There are pieces of sentences such as “You talk to a chatbot” Or “End the conversation?“.
According to the sentence “Thank you for your contribution !“, it will be possible to improve this functionality, either by reporting bugs or evaluating the relevance of responses, or by providing information about a location. Additionally, all conversations will be saved.
What can a chatbot be used for on a map?
For the moment, this is the only information we have regarding this feature. However, we can easily imagine many uses linked to a conversational agent in Google Maps.
First of all, there is navigation. We know that Google has a large amount of information, whether fixed or in real time. We could therefore ask the chatbot what is the best route to go from point A to point B to consume the least amount of gasoline or electricity.
Then there are the recommendations. Since it is possible to “contribute” and of “submit your location“, we can consider suggestions for places based on certain criteria. For example, we dream of asking the application which is the best restaurant offering vegetarian dishes for less than 15 euros in the surrounding area or the bars with the best homemade iced teas in the area.
AndroidAuthority also mentions the possibility of a chatbot allowing companies to more easily answer users’ frequently asked questions.
However, all of this remains speculation. We will have to wait for Google to say more about this feature, assuming that it is brought to fruition.