Google is bringing an Immersive View mode to Maps. Integrating AI tech, it enables users to navigate in a dynamic 3D environment, making it easier for them to find their way when they find themselves in the actual space. — Google
Previewed at its I/O conference last spring, Google is bringing an Immersive View mode to Maps. Integrating AI tech, it enables users to navigate in a dynamic 3D environment, making it easier for them to find their way when they find themselves in the actual space.
A leader in the sector of navigation and maps apps, Google appears to count on keeping a lead on competition from other players like TomTom and Apple by using AI to create a high-definition representation of an itinerary, so you can discover it virtually before you travel.
To create this view, AI merges billions of aerial shots and images from Street View. The result is a dynamic 3D model that allows you to project yourself anywhere in a dozen major cities.
In addition to the visual aspect, the rendering is also useful for finding a host of practical information, such as the presence of bicycle paths, sidewalks or parking lots once you've arrived at your destination.
For a cycling trip, for example, select the Immersive View preview and you’ll see your itinerary from start to finish, enhanced with a host of useful information, such as simulated traffic or weather conditions along the way, all to help you prepare for your journey.
The first cities to benefit from this new feature include Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San José, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice.
Another new feature is Lens in Maps, which lets you identify any place around you. Simply select the Lens icon in the Maps search bar and raise your smartphone to find information on nearby public transport stops, restaurants, stores or even ATMs. This new feature now covers some 50 major cities worldwide, including Taipei, Las Vegas and Paris.
Google also unveiled other upcoming features. In the US, for example, it will soon be possible to find out whether carpool lanes are available along your route, so that you can opt for this mode of transport if necessary. In Europe, AI-powered speed limit information will be extended to some 20 countries, so that you'll always know how fast to drive even when it's difficult to spot speed limit signs on the road.
Like many of the big names in tech, Google is all in when it comes to rolling out new features powered by artificial intelligence. In addition to Maps, Photos users are also benefiting, but for now exclusively on the new Pixel 8s. This new experience, dubbed Magic Editor, makes it possible to dramatically retouch images by deleting various elements or recreating certain entire parts that were not captured in the original shot.
As for Bard, its generative AI chatbot, it too continues to be updated and will soon be able to start replying while you finish writing your prompt.
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