Google Maps unveils new features: Immersive view, EV charging, AI capabilities, and more

Google Maps, a widely popular app for discovering new places and navigating various destinations worldwide, has recently unveiled substantial enhancements and additions. These updates aim to enhance user satisfaction by providing a more seamless and enjoyable experience, as well as introducing novel features that streamline route navigation. With these latest updates, users can now benefit from artificial intelligence capabilities, effortlessly explore their surroundings, and effortlessly navigate their desired routes. Curious to learn more about these exciting features and updates? Discover the details of these Google Maps updates and their functionalities.

Google Maps update

Through a blog post, Google announces new features that help users plan trips, make sustainable choices and find things to do with confidence. Check out the features below:

1. Immersive View for Routes: This new feature allows users to view a 3D preview of locations. The app offers a multidimensional experience with turn-by-turn instructions, traffic simulations and weather forecasts, so you can avoid driving in rainy weather or during heavy traffic. With this feature, AI “merges billions of Street View and aerial images together,” says Google. The feature is rolling out this week to Android and iOS users in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice.

2. Explore your surroundings with Lens: Using artificial intelligence and augmented reality, Lens in Maps allows users to explore their surroundings while exploring a new city or discovering hidden local attractions. “Just tap the lens icon in the search bar and raise your phone to find information about nearby ATMs, public transport stations, restaurants, cafes and shops.” This feature would be available in 50 locations, including Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo and Taipei.

3. Detailed Map Navigation: Navigation maps have been improved with updated colors to provide a comprehensive understanding of realistic views of buildings and improved lane details to improve direction indicators so you don’t get confused about where to turn. In addition, the app also provides AI-powered speed limit information, which helps drivers stay aware of the correct speed limit.

4. Electric car information: Electric car owners often struggle when the car’s batteries run out. Now Google provides detailed information about charging stations, including their compatibility with your vehicle and how fast they charge, so you can find the station that best suits your needs. The feature will be rolled out globally.

5. New search features: Google Maps introduces photo search results based on artificial intelligence and image recognition, which allows users to find places and also learn about a place by browsing through images.