Google has announced a number of new features for Google Maps and Google Search today at its Live From Paris event. These features include an immersive way of exploring locations, improved resources for electric vehicle (EV) charging, and a more convenient way of using Google Maps.
One of the key features announced is the Immersive View in Maps. This is essentially an upgrade to Street View, allowing users to fly through images of a location. Google has combined billions of street view and aerial images to create three-dimensional models of the locations you’re exploring. This will give users a clearer and more contextual layout of a neighborhood, or the entrance of a building. Immersive View also provides information about the weather, traffic, and businesses in the area, making it easier to plan your visit.
Another interesting feature is the use of neural radiance fields (NeRF) to show the inside of restaurants. This transforms flat images into 3D renderings, complete with details such as lighting and texture. Currently, the Immersive View feature is available in five cities, including London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo. However, Google plans to roll it out to more cities in the coming weeks.
For EV owners, Google Maps has updated its software to include the ideal charging station based on your total trip time, driving conditions, and charging time. The app also allows you to filter for fast charging stations and shows charging stations in your search results, for example, at a supermarket, so you can charge your vehicle while shopping.
Google has also introduced Glanceable Directions, a new feature for Google Maps. This feature shows your movement in the route overview, directly on your lock screen, making it easier to check Maps without unlocking your phone. This feature is available for both Android and iOS and will be launching in the coming months.
Google has also expanded its Live View feature to more cities and has updated some of its search tools. Multisearch, which enhances text search using images, is now available globally on mobile. Multisearch Near Me, which combines this feature with your location to find what you’re looking for nearby, is now available on mobile in the U.S. In the near future, Android users will be able to use Lens to search for any image on their screen without leaving the app.
In conclusion, with its latest batch of features, Google is looking to make Maps and Search more intuitive and user-friendly. These updates, such as the Immersive View, improved EV charging, and Glanceable Directions, will enhance the user experience and make it easier to access the information you need on the go.
