Google is making your navigation experience a little more seamless and way more immersive with two new features. The company is launching Gemini-backed Immersive Navigation and Ask Maps in Google Maps where the former offers a 3D view of your surroundings while the latter allows you to ask anything about a place.
Immersive Navigation in Google Maps
Google is describing this feature as Google Map’s biggest update to the driving experience in over a decade. It is a complete transformation of the navigation experience, with redesigned visuals and more intuitive guidance. “This update helps you stay focused and informed on the road, with fresh, real-world information and natural directions that prepare you for the drive ahead,” said Google.
The feature offers a vivid 3D view that reflects the buildings, overpasses, and terrain around you. When it’s helpful, Maps will highlight critical road details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs to help you make that turn or merge confidently. This spatial understanding of your route is made possible with help from Gemini models, which analyze fresh, real world imagery from Street View and aerial photos to give you an accurate view of things along your route, like landmarks and medians.
However, this is more than just a visual update, as the App now also shows a wider view of your route, using smart zoom and transparent buildings so you can better prepare for upcoming turns and lane changes. Voice directions have also been updated to sound more natural.
Maps will also explain the trade-offs between alternate routes, such as a faster route with tolls or a longer one with less traffic. It will continue to alert users about real-time issues like accidents or road construction using data from the driving community.
As you approach your destination, Maps can now highlight the building entrance, nearby parking options and the correct side of the street, helping you navigate the final stretch more easily. Also, before you head out, you can preview your destination and its surroundings with Street View imagery, and get recommendations for where to park.
As for availability, Immersive Navigation in Google Maps starts rolling out today across the U.S. and availability will expand over the coming months to eligible iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.
Also Read: Google Updates Android Kernel for Faster Performance and Improved Battery Life
Ask Maps in Google Maps
Ask Maps in Google Maps is a new conversational experience that answers complex, real-world questions “a map could never answer before,” as per Google. Now you can ask for things like, “My phone is dying – where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” or “Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?” You can tap the “Ask Maps” button and get your questions answered conversationally, with a customized map to help you visualize your options.
“So if you’re planning a trip, just ask: “I’m headed to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Coral Dunes – any recommended stops along the way?” You’ll get clear directions, ETAs, and insider tips from real people, like how to find a hidden hiking trail or get a free entry ticket. To build your itinerary, Maps analyzes information from over 300 million places, including reviews from our community of more than 500 million contributors,” said the company.
Google Maps’ Ask Maps feature can also personalise recommendations based on your past searches and places you’ve saved. This helps the app suggest locations that better match your preferences. For example, if you usually search for vegan restaurants, Maps can suggest meeting spots that offer vegan options and are conveniently located for everyone.
Once you choose a place, you can take action directly from Maps. The app lets you book restaurant reservations, save locations to lists, share them with friends, or start navigation to the destination with just a few taps.
Ask Maps in Google Maps has begun rolling out in the U.S. and India on Android and iOS, with desktop coming soon.
Author: Abhishek Malhotra
Source: The Mobile Indian
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
