Google Maps has just announced the introduction of a new feature called Immersive View for routes. This feature uses AI, Street View, and aerial images to give users a preview of each step of their journey in advance. With Immersive View, users can now have a “multidimensional experience” when getting driving, walking, or cycling directions. They will be able to see bike lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and even parking along the route.
One of the key features of Immersive View is the time slider feature. This feature shows users air quality information and displays how the route will look as the weather changes throughout the day. Furthermore, using AI and historical driving trends, Immersive View can simulate the number of cars that might be on the road at a specific time. This will enable users to better plan their journeys and avoid heavy traffic.
Initially, Immersive View for routes is available in 15 cities, including New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, and London. Users can access this feature on both Android and iOS devices, making it widely accessible to a large number of people.
In addition to Immersive View, Google Maps is also undergoing some other exciting changes. One of these changes is the replacement of the Search with Live View feature with Lens in Maps. Lens in Maps utilizes AI and augmented reality to assist users in navigating unfamiliar areas. It provides AR-delivered information about nearby ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. Lens in Maps is expanding to more than 50 new cities, including Rome, Las Vegas, and Taipei.
Another update to Google Maps is the enhancement of the navigation map itself. The map will now have updated colors, more realistic buildings, and enhanced highway lane details in 12 countries, including the US, Canada, France, and Germany. This will make the overall navigation experience more visually appealing and easier to understand.
Further improvements include the availability of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane information along a route in the US, while AI-powered speed limit information expands to 20 European countries. EV drivers using Google Maps on Android and iOS will also receive more comprehensive charging station information, including compatibility and charging speed details. These updates for EV charging station information will be rolled out globally on iOS and Android throughout the week, wherever such data is available.
With these new features and enhancements, Google Maps continues to redefine the way people navigate and explore the world around them. Whether it’s taking a virtual tour of a route with Immersive View or getting real-time information with Lens in Maps, users can now have a more immersive and informative experience when using the app.
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