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Planning a perfect vacation to unfamiliar places can be challenging. You need to consider activities, individual preferences, and places that actually fit your bill. The process isn’t always hassle-free. To make things easier, Google has just released a generative AI assistant inside Maps. Now, users can find locations for what they want to do, where to go, or what to see using simple descriptions instead of keywords. With the help of generative AI, the Maps will behave as a full-fledged tour guide.
How does generative AI function inside Google Maps?
To make an itinerary for your trips, the first instinct would be to use Google Maps and look for places to visit. The app previously used keywords to understand what you are looking for, such as “nearby parks,” “nearby restaurants,” or “nearby malls,” and then showed you a bunch of options to where you can get directions. The new way is far more convenient and intuitive. Down below is an example that Google has provided in its press release.
One of the use cases provided by Google shows how you can find a spot using AI. If a user wants to find a vintage store in San Fransisco, they can simply ask for “places with a vintage vibe in SF.” Google’s AI Language Model will interpret the queries and offer categorized suggestions, complete with photo carousels and review summaries. This tool is especially convenient for those unfamiliar with Map’s keywords.
In the example, you will find that the feature behaves just like a Google search within the maps. The company has long wanted its navigation tool to behave like a search engine. And it seems they’ve finally designed a mechanic to do just that and more. The tool, like all other language models, operates as an assistant with the ability to make conversations.
Users can seamlessly continue interacting with Maps’ Generative AI by asking follow-up questions. For instance, after finding vintage shops, users can inquire about lunch spots with the same theme. Just like that, Maps will respond with suggestions, enabling users to plan their entire outing. The AI tool can also save places to lists for future reference and enhance the planning experience.
Early access for specific users
The feature is in early access in the US, and it uses an AI language model to analyze Maps’ extensive database of over 250 million places. Then, it correlates your search with insights from a community of 300 million feedbackers to provide you with a perfect spot. However, this feature is still experimental. It’s only available for select Guides in the US who actively participate in the Maps community. Their feedback will ultimately refine the tool, so it can be expanded publically to all users.