Google Maps has unveiled a bundle of new updates in India, aiming to enhance the app's usability and pave the way for future enhancements. The latest update introduces innovative features like Lens, Live View, and Address Descriptors to boost user experience.
One of the standout additions is Lens integration, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify searching for various items. Google aims to roll out Lens in 15 Indian cities on Android devices by January 2024. This feature allows users to point their camera down a street and instantly access information about nearby restaurants and cafes, including details such as opening hours, ratings, reviews, and photos.
Despite a delayed release in India, Google is committed to staying ahead. Address Descriptors is a unique feature tailored for India, automatically identifying up to five landmarks and area names surrounding a pinned address. Powered by machine learning and AI, this enriches the user experience by displaying these landmark references when a location is shared.
Live View walking navigation is set to debut in India, enabling users to see arrows, directions, and distance markers overlaid on the Maps screen for easy navigation. This feature will be accessible on Android devices across more than 3000 cities and towns in India, aiding users in finding the right direction quickly.
Miriam Daniel, VP and GM of Google Maps, highlighted the impact of AI on mapping, saying, "AI has supercharged the way we map for nearly a decade, enabling us to build a comprehensive, up-to-date, and helpful map."
Additional features include fuel-efficient routing, suggesting eco-friendly alternative routes to reduce CO2 emissions. Moreover, Google is extending the Where Is My Train app to include Mumbai and Kolkata Local Trains, with plans for further expansion to other cities in the future.
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