Conversational AI integration in Google Maps brings a revolutionary change to location search.
Google Maps is being revamped with the integration of generative AI, enabling users to conduct conversational searches for various locations. By utilizing its extensive large language models (LLMs), Google is accessing a vast collection of data on more than 250 million places available on Google Maps. This includes incorporating user-generated photos, ratings, and reviews from an impressive 300 million contributors. Witness the transformation of location search with the latest updates to Google Maps.
User-friendly “Ask About” experience
This experimental feature, initially rolled out in the US, introduces a user-friendly “Ask about” interface. For example, writing “Vintage-feeling places in SF” gets echoes from vinyl record stores, clothing boutiques, and flea markets. Detailed location information and review summaries highlight the appeal of each venue.
This new feature preserves context, allowing users to seamlessly ask follow-up questions. For example, the query “how about lunch” prompts Maps to recommend nearby old-fashioned eateries that match the vintage vibe.
Scenario-specific recommendations for every situation
Convenience is further enhanced when users can search for recommendations for specific scenarios. Asking for “rainy day activities” brings up indoor options like comedy shows or movie theaters. Familiarization with family-friendly choices, follow-up survey, such as “What about the options for children?” reveals places like bowling alleys, children’s museums or indoor playgrounds, as well as highlights based on user reviews.
Google emphasizes a cautious rollout and will initially grant access to this feature exclusively to its dedicated contributors to the Local Guides community in the Google Maps ecosystem. This collaboration ensures a thoughtful integration of generative AI. After this initial phase, the company plans to expand access to a wider user base.
Founded in 2019, Local Guides is a global community of researchers who actively contribute to Google Maps through reviews, photos, answering surveys and fact-checking. While the extent of the difference from traditional searches remains unclear, it is expected that the conversational response style will differentiate this AI-based feature from traditional proximity-based search results, providing users with a more engaging and interactive environment to explore.
