Google is working on a new AI-powered discovery tool that makes it easier to find places, the company announced today.
The introduction of AI into Maps will make discovery easier by letting users search for places using natural language, Google says. The idea is that people will get clearer results from a search that better aligns with what they’re actually looking for.
“Simply say what you’re looking for and our large-language models (LLMs) will analyze Maps’ detailed information about more than 250 million places and trusted insights from our community of over 300 million contributors to quickly make suggestions for where to go.” The announcement explains.
Google gives the example of searching for “places with a vintage vibe in SF” or “activities for a rainy day.” The AI will understand what that means and deliver results based on reviews and descriptions from its database. Users can also ask a follow-up question such as “how about lunch” and Maps will reply with a contextual answer, so starting a new search isn’t necessary. The results are then sorted into different categories like shops, restaurants and markets, with review summaries that explain why they might be of interest.
The new feature will only be available to people enrolled in Google’s local guides program in the U.S. this week, which is a network of people who review, answer questions and check facts on Google Maps.
This isn’t the first AI feature Google has introduced to Maps, it debuted a new “immersive view” tool last year that renders areas into highly detailed digital recreations.
But discovery has long been one of the issues Google has needed to fix in Maps. The update could go some way to solving that problem. Users could can ask the Maps chatbot, for example, to give them non-touristy places while traveling, specifically avoiding spots that overcharge travelers. Or, in my case, a lunch spot near my office that is cheap and healthy. It’s surprisingly difficult to do either without reading hundreds of words on someone’s blog, which isn’t something you want to do on the go. Maps properly understanding your request—in full sentences—and delivering accurate results would be a big upgrade for the service.
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