New Google Maps Update Is An Example Of Real-World Problems That AI Can Solve Today

The ubiquitous navigation app Google Maps has unveiled a suite of AI-powered features. These new features, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, aim to enhance the user experience, provide more comprehensive mapping services, and make getting around India easier and more efficient.

What Happened: Alphabet Inc.’s GOOG GOOGL Google unveiled on Monday that AI technology has been instrumental in redefining mapping in India over the past decade.

Through AI, Google Maps has charted millions of miles of urban and rural roads and documented over 300 million structures in India, assisting millions of users daily.

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AI has also enabled Google Maps to locate over 30 million businesses and places in India, making more than 900 million connections a month between consumers and businesses possible. Additionally, it has aided Google in analyzing traffic patterns for infrastructure enhancement under Project Greenlight.

New Google Maps Features Powered By AI

Google has outlined the new features in Maps which are powered by AI:

• Address Descriptors: This feature automatically identifies and displays relevant landmarks and area names when sharing a location, making locating addresses in unfamiliar areas easier.
• Lens in Maps: Users can now point their camera down the street and instantly see nearby restaurants, cafes, and other points of interest, along with useful information like opening hours and ratings.
• Live View Walking Navigation: Pedestrians can now navigate unfamiliar areas with ease, thanks to arrows, directions, and distance markers overlaid on the Maps screen.
• Fuel-Efficient Routing: Google Maps optimizes routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, considering factors like traffic data, road elevation, and vehicle type.

Why It Matters: This development comes at a time when Google is making significant strides in the AI race, with the Gemini large language model poised to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Google’s robust investment in AI is evident in its ongoing efforts to transform mapping and enhance connectivity in India. As AI continues to evolve, Google’s commitment to harnessing its potential reaffirms the tech giant’s position at the forefront of AI development.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.