Google Maps brings new map colors, more information for electric car charging stations, ‘Immersive View’ for routes, Google Lens enhancements and more
It goes without saying that Google Maps has established itself as one of the best GPS apps for Android. However, more and more new features are appearing that make it much more than that, being able to take advantage of its functions for all kinds of routes and queries, whether cycling, walking or just browsing from home.
In its latest update for Android is receiving a facelift (also on iOS) that makes it a much more intuitive application, but also are adding and improving existing features through artificial intelligence. That yes, lately it is a term that seems to be already used for everything, but in this case it is well applied in view of the new features.
Routes with immersive view thanks to artificial intelligence
It’s been a year and a half since we knew about Google Maps’ ‘Immersive View’ as a new way to explore cities without leaving home. It has become one of the most celebrated new features and is now receiving an improvement to be able to see routes with this view before making them, thus having much more detail of the journey we are going to make.
Everything starts with establishing a destination point as before and choosing the means of transport we will use. At first we will see the classic marked routes indicating the way, but there will also be an option to see the route with ‘Immersive View’. In it we will be able to see the steps to follow in detail with this three-dimensional view, being able to go step by step to see how is the path to follow before undertaking it.
This function has a lot of AI, since Google is reusing all the captures it takes for its aerial images, mixing them with those taken for ‘Street View’. This mix gives rise to the realistic 3D images that we find on the routes.
Another extremely interesting point is that you will be able to simulate the weather and possible traffic along the route. A slider will appear that will allow you to modify the time depending on when you plan to go out and thus see what the weather will be at that time and a simulation of the number of cars that you could find on the road (although we insist that it is also available if you are walking or cycling).
The downside of this is that, as was already the case with what we had previously in the normal ‘Immersive View’, it is in Spain already, but not in all cities. However, seeing the pace that Google is taking with its implementation, it is expected that in the coming months more places in our territory will be added.
Google Lens, augmented reality and more AI to never get lost
Another novelty that is premiering Google Maps is the full integration of Google Lens in the maps app. A function that was already present before under the name of ‘Live View’ and now renamed as ‘Lens in Maps’.
If we are in a place we do not know with Google Maps open, we can touch the Google Lens button located on the top bar of the app and focus the camera on the places to get information. For example, to a statue and get information about it, but also in establishments such as restaurants to know information about their opening hours, menus and customer reviews.
More realistic and intuitive colors more realistic and intuitive colors for navigation maps
This is a new feature that has not yet arrived, but is expected in the coming months. Initially it is aimed at countries such as the United States, Germany and France. There are a total of 12 countries that will incorporate it, although as of today Google does not confirm if Spain will be among them.
The idea is that, without changing too much the map interface, we can see new colors on the maps. For example, representing buildings in another color to help differentiate them from other elements of the map and thus better situate us. Although if there is something that stands out is that the lanes will also have a better signaling so that when we have to take an exit, we can see better where we are and in which of the lanes we must position ourselves.
Smarter searches without having to nail down the exact name of the sites.
To explain this new feature, nothing better than an example. Imagine you want to go to a vegan restaurant with your pet. While the search “vegan restaurant” could already be useful, now we can type in “vegan restaurant with dog” and you will find a list of establishments that allow you to go.
Recommendations are also expanded with searches such as “what to do in Madrid”. After that, suggestions such as going to museums, parks, free cinema sessions and more will appear. The already famous Google Maps lists will also appear and you will be able to save them to read later if you were simply looking for future information.
More information about charging stations for electric vehicles
Google Maps has been trying to catch up with electric cars for some time now, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Now, apart from seeing where there are charging points, we will also see more detailed information about the stations.
For example, the compatibility of the chargers or the charging speed, which is essential for drivers of these vehicles. Also even if the chargers are out of service, something that is not always practical to know about and which is clearly of vital importance.