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In an online event held for journalists, the Google announced a series of features for the Google Maps, Google Earth and Waze, all via AI. Soon, it will be possible to inform the Waze about problems on a street, without the need to type. The Google Earth has gained a tool that makes online exploration even more interesting. See all the details right now.
What's New on Google Maps
The Maps application, which is present in the daily lives of many users, has gained several new features that should help to make it even more useful.
Gemini's Arrival
The first new feature of Google Maps is for those who are leaving at the last minute but don't know where to go. Basically, Google has integrated its Google Gemini artificial intelligence to the maps application and, when asking for recommendations on where to go with friends or even alone, the user will receive tips on places close to where they are.
To make this work, Gemini will read and interpret the information sent by users of Google Maps itself, giving priority to reviews and data recently sent. Another detail is that on the same screen, users can ask questions about reservations, prices and see photos of suggested locations.
The feature will be tested initially in the US, starting next week, with no release date yet for more countries. Directions on how to get to your chosen locations will also be sent once you decide where to go with your friends (or alone).
Improved routes
A car trip can have several ways to get there, right? Also using AI, Google Maps will be able to predict different routes and indicate pedestrian crossings and traffic signs while navigating. To follow the best route without distractions or possible problems reported by other Google Maps users, simply follow the blue line indicated on your smartphone screen.
With winter approaching in the northern hemisphere, the company also announced that users, through the global Maps network, will be able to see and report potential issues along the path of a route they have taken, such as flooded roads or even low visibility situations.
It will be an interesting feature to test in different parts of the world, but Enhanced Routes, at least for now, will be available “next month” in the US.
Adding stops
An interesting feature is that, until now, Google Maps still didn't allow you to pass through more than one place at the same time when plotting routes.
The functionality does not yet have a set date to be released to users, but when the add stops button is released, nearby tourist attractions where we will be will be displayed as suggestions.
Update on Immersive View
Defined as “the biggest update to Immersive View yet”, this is the functionality that allows you to view tourist attractions in 3D. With the arrival of generative AI, you will be able to see what the weather and traffic conditions will be like on the day and time you plan to visit, based on the weather forecast and traffic data submitted by Google Maps users.
If you’re planning to drive somewhere, you’ll also be able to see parking information. Starting next week in the US, Immersive View will also show 3D images of college towns so parents and prospective students can see where they’re going to live without having to leave their homes.
Arrival guidelines
Rounding off the news, Google explained that it knows that a Google Maps route doesn't end the moment you get off the car or bus. With this in mind, directions to the door of your house or building will be given via AR.
The app will also record and remember where you parked when you return home, making it a great tool to guide you whenever you are away from home. The new feature is expected to be released “later this year” in the US, with plans to roll out to more countries next year.
Google AI in Waze
Widely used by users around the world, Waze has partnered with Google to bring Gemini AI to its app. The artificial intelligence will be used to listen to drivers when it is necessary to report a problem on the road, such as a fallen tree, an accident or anything that could interfere with the routes.
To report a traffic incident, simply click on the Gemini virtual button on Waze and start talking about what you saw on the route traced by the app. The feature will be tested starting this week with “trusted testers” who use Waze in English, on both Android and iOS.
Availability for those who use Waze in Portuguese has not yet been announced, but we will update the article as soon as it is available.
Ask Google Earth
Rounding out the new features, a Google Gemini chat has arrived on Google Earth. In practice, instead of searching by location, address or region, you simply type the command in the chat, similar to the official Google Gemini, and wait for a response to be displayed on the screen.
It will be possible to request information to be displayed with a unique specificity, making the use of the platform that uses satellite images even more interesting. At this first stage, Ask Google Earth will be tested starting in November, with general availability scheduled for next year.
What did you think of all the news presented today? tell us Comment!
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With information: Google Blog
Text proofread by: Daniel Coutinho in 31 / 10 / 2024
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