This new feature aims to address the long-standing issue of discovery in Google Maps. Users can ask the Maps chatbot for specific recommendations, such as non-touristy places or cheap and healthy lunch spots near their location. The ability for Maps to understand full sentence requests and deliver accurate results is seen as a significant upgrade for the service.
Key takeaways:
- Google is developing a new AI-powered discovery tool for Google Maps that allows users to search for places using natural language.
- The AI will analyze Maps’ detailed information about more than 250 million places and insights from over 300 million contributors to provide suggestions based on user's search.
- Users can ask follow-up questions and the AI will provide contextual answers, sorting results into categories like shops, restaurants, and markets.
- The new feature will initially only be available to people enrolled in Google's local guides program in the U.S.