Google is working to ensure that its Maps service does more than just tell users where to turn left – it also plans to offer everything from related content to future vacation ideas.
The search giant said this week that it has partnered with media outlets including The New York Times, Lonely Planet and The Infatuation to add lists of restaurants and attractions created for select travel destinations, starting with 40 cities in the United States and Canada. The company provided more details on how it is first integrating generative AI into Maps, a program announced in February and which is currently in a pilot phase with some power users.
The updates, which Tech Brew previewed at a Google travel-themed event in Manhattan this week, come as Google has been use AI– not just generative AI – to change aspects of Maps, from information about electric vehicle charging stations to better recommendations.
Trendy travel tip
In addition to lists created by partner publishers, Google Maps will also generate lists of “trending” restaurants that are particularly popular at a given time and “hidden gems” or “up-and-coming” places that are “steadily gaining popularity.” a lot of interest,” said Andrew Duchi, director of product at Google Maps, on stage at the event.
When asked by another reporter if Google plans to include recommendation lists from other sources like travel bloggers, Duchi responded: “We're going to work with the little guys… we're going to take some sort of approach cautious to begin to surface. these at first, but we'll try to find some of these great lists from the Maps community.
“We have specific partnerships that I can't do with some big publishers,” Duchi told Tech Brew at the event. “We don't pay creators to create this content. However, one thing we do is try to engage with them about… like “How can we make this useful for you?” » How is this a tool you can use? »
AI everywhere
Google is planning a wider rollout of its Maps generative AI features in the future, as the tech giant continues to do so. weave technology in all its offers. Duchi said the integration will make Maps more conversational, so users can ask it, for example, what to do on a rainy day in Chicago and refine the results through dialogue, such as asking for child-friendly options .
This feature is exclusively in the hands of Local Guide's top volunteers for now, and there is no “specific timeline” for when it will be available to all Maps users, Duchi said.
This article was originally published In Technological brew.
