Google Maps and Waze are getting some big overhauls with new features to enhance navigation, turn-by-turn directions, and explorations and recommendations as you look for assistance to get where you need to be, and search for everything from parking to restaurants, electric vehicle chargers, and more.
Google Maps is using AI to analyze billions of images, alongside data from local partners and its community, making more than 100 million updates to the map daily. Here’s what’s new with Google Maps and Waze, including the integration of Gemini models.
Gemini in Google Maps
With Gemini accessible through the Google Maps app, you can do things like ask for inspiration on where to go and things to do using natural language queries. Ask something generic like “things to do with friends at night” and Gemini will deliver a curated selection of options, neatly listed in categories like speakeasys or places with live music. Reviews are still available for your perusal, but at the top, you’ll also see a helpful AI summation of them, highlighting the most commonly noted points both for and against the venue.
Select a place and you can continue the conversation to learn more details to see if it’s the right fit, like whether or not it has outdoor seating, if it’s a quiet atmosphere, or if they have a full bar.
These features start rolling out in the U.S. on Android and iOS this week. You’ll also see similar experiences in the coming months on Search, including AI-powered review summaries and the option to ask detailed questions about places.
Driving With Google Maps
While using Google Maps for driving directions, the latest update helps you explore the route before you even get on the road. Select get directions and add stops and you can see top landmarks, attractions, scenic spots, and dining options so you can plan the drive.
For those who get nervous when driving in unfamiliar areas, you’ll be able to see things like multiple lanes, forks, and exits more clearly. The enhanced navigation will also show things like crosswalks and road signs, and even tell you what specific lane you should be in via a blue line marker so you don’t have to try and merge at the last second.
You’ll also now see, and can log, weather disruptions along the route, like flooding, unplowed roads, and low visibility. There’s also arrival guidance that will help you find parking then the actual location you need to get to. You’ll see nearby parking (and get a reminder to save your parking location once parked), the building and entrance will light up on the app, and walking directions will be given from the car to the entrance. You can also use Street View or AR walking navigation to quickly orient yourself.
Most of these features will be rolling out globally on Android and iOS this week. Enhanced navigation starts rolling out next month on Android and iOS in over 30 metros with plans to expand to more places over time.
Immersive View Updates
There’s also a major update to Immersive View allowing you to see stadiums, parks, and routes via AI, imagery and computer vision. You can also check weather and traffic conditions on the day and time you plan to visit. Immersive View for places is expanding to 150 cities globally this week, including spots in Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt. Google will continue to add new places to Immersive View, like college campuses.
You will also find new details for Immersive View routes, like where to park, or if you’ll encounter something like a complex turn so you can be prepared for it. This update starts rolling out this week on Android and iOS wherever Immersive View for routes is available.
What’s New With Waze?
Waze is a favourite navigation app for many, and Google has a neat new feature coming to the service. While you could always report incidents in the app, like traffic, potholes, construction, accidents, and more, it’s now easier to do so via voice using natural language. Called Conversational Reporting, you can tap a button and report a traffic condition, like an object on a road, a vehicle that is stopped, or unusual traffic.
You don’t need to choose from a pre-selected list of options and it’s all done by voice. You can speak casually and the app will ask for additional details if needed. Say something like “there’s a traffic jam up ahead” or “someone’s recycling bin is in the middle of the road.” Once you add this and Gemini determines what you mean, a real-time report will be added to the map. This not only makes it easier for drivers to participate in the crowd-sourced information but also helps drivers on the road by providing the best routes possible based on the immediate conditions and issues.
Conversational Reporting launches in beta to Waze trusted testers globally this week in English on Android and iOS, with plans to expand to more users and languages in the coming months.
Additionally, Waze is adding school zones on the map so drivers can slow down as needed and be extra cautious and aware of kids potentially walking across the street. School Zones start rolling out on Android and iOS globally later this year.
Generative AI Updates for Google Maps Platform and Google Earth
Further, Google ups adding generative AI features to Google Earth to provide developers and urban planners with real-world information and help solve geospatial problems.
Google says that more than 10 million websites and apps use Google Maps Platform to offer everything from delivery apps to real estate websites. Grounding with Google Maps is a new capability that allows developers to use the rich place data to build generative AI-powered experiences. A property rental website developer, for example, could allow customers to use the chatbot to ask about gyms nearby the apartment they’re considering. Grounding with Google Maps launches as an experimental feature today.
Gemini is also coming to Google Earth, which will allow urban planners to access deeper, city-level insights. A transportation planner, for example, could as the AI to map five zip codes with the fewest EV charger relative to their geographic area size to help determine where best to install them. Google Earth uses multi-step reasoning to determine the answer and generates a custom visualization. Continue the inquiries by asking questions like if there are hotels and shopping centres nearby that don’t have close by EV chargers as well.
This capability was built in partnership with Google Research and X, the moonshot factory. Google will start piloting Gemini capabilities in Google Earth next month. Members can sign up for consideration to be a trusted tester.