Google is adding its Gemini AI assistant to its software suite, announcing several new features for Google Maps. Users looking for ideas about places to go in Maps can now ask questions via conversation about the type of place they want and receive answers from Gemini.
Maps can also use AI to answer in-depth questions about a specific location. Gemini can also provide a summary of reviews when you’re looking at a place on Maps. These AI-powered features will start rolling out to the Maps app on Android and iOS starting this week.
The Immersive View Maps feature introduced last year is growing. Google can now apply AI to show what a location would look like at the date and time a person is present. Immersive View will be available in 150 cities internationally, including Brussels, Kyoto and Frankfurt. New location categories like college campuses are also being added.
Driving directions are also being updated. A button to add stops to driving directions will let users locate notable landmarks or stops along their route. Navigation has also been improved to show more accurate details about potentially complex areas of a route, such as clear instructions about which lane to stay in or when to merge. The improved driving experience will be available on both Android and iOS, with a rollout starting next month in more than 30 metro areas.
Waze is also getting the Gemini treatment in today’s announcements. Conversational reporting that will allow drivers to use natural language to alert the app about road hazards or delays. And when AI can be all over the planet, why limit it to Maps? Google Earth is also getting generative AI tools, specifically targeting urban planners with faster access to data.
“AP and Google’s longstanding relationship is based on working together to provide timely, accurate news and information to a global audience,” said Kristin Heitman, senior vice president and chief revenue officer for The Associated Press. “We are pleased that Google recognizes the value of AP’s journalism as well as our commitment to nonpartisan reporting in the development of its generative AI products.”
In 2023, The Associated Press was one of the first news publishers to partner with an AI firm, signing a two-year deal with OpenAI, giving the company access to select news content dating back to 1985. Since then, several other publishers have followed suit with their own agreements.
In fact, just today, Axios announced a three-year deal with OpenAI, under which the AI startup will fund four new local newsrooms. Last year, OpenAI partnered with People publisher Dotdash Meredith, a deal that has since been reported to be worth at least $16 million annually.