Details of Google Maps’ use of generative AI to suggest dining options are now available.
Google has been one of the pioneers of generative artificial intelligence, alongside competitors such as OpenAI and Meta. After losing first-mover advantage to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google has sought to lay a solid foundation by launching a myriad of generative AI tools — whether it’s a chatbot, Bard, its Gemini Nano-powered Pixel capabilities, or even Image 2’s model for creating images.
Now it looks like the company has no intention of stopping, and its generative AI capabilities are expanding to Google Maps as well. Simply put, using generative artificial intelligence, Google Maps is able to analyze maps to provide quality-of-life features like restaurant recommendations based on data it has about 250 million locations and insights from a growing list of 300 million contributors.
Here’s a use case that Google points out
“Let’s say you’re visiting San Francisco and want to plan a few hours of Thrifting to find unique vintage finds. Just ask Maps what you’re looking for, like ‘places with a vintage feel in SF.'” Our AI models analyze Maps’ rich data about nearby businesses and places as well as photos, ratings and reviews from the Maps community. you trusted suggestions,” Google said.
Google also notes that you can see results categorized, such as clothing stores, vinyl stores, flea markets, with photo carousels and reviews.
Who is it coming to?
This feature is only in the US for now, but Google says it will roll out to everyone “over time” as it receives more feedback. But for now, it’s only available to select “Local Guides,” who are “some of the most active and passionate members of the Maps community.”
