Google’s latest AI advancements have impacted Google Maps as well. However, these new features are currently only available to a limited number of “select Local Guides” in the US.
If you happen to be one of the fortunate few, you can now take advantage of generative AI in Maps to aid in your exploration of different places to meet your specific needs. All you have to do is express what you’re searching for in ordinary language, and Google’s vast language models will search Maps’ places database to provide you with a response.
Google mentions that the “insights and valuable feedback” from Local Guides will help shape the feature before it is made available to a wider audience, so think of it as a closed beta for now.
In its official announcement post, Google offers an example of how the new feature might be utilized – simply say “places with a vintage vibe in San Francisco”, and you will receive “rich information” about nearby businesses and locations, accompanied by photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community.
The search results are grouped into different categories and include photo carousels and summaries of reviews that highlight why a particular location may be of interest to you based on your request. Once you’ve made an inquiry, you can then continue the conversation with a follow-up question without having to restate anything – allowing you to directly ask “how about lunch?” in the example provided. You’ll then be presented with places that match the desired vibe.
Naturally, you can save all of the recommended places or share them with others. The possibilities are endless for what you can ask, which is what makes this feature potentially very helpful once it’s refined and made available to everyone.
