Google Maps keeps getting new-generation features, with the Mountain View-based search giant now planning to begin the rollout of Immersive View for routes to select locations across the world.
If you're unfamiliar with Google's work in the AI space, let me tell you what Immersive View is all about.
The feature combines street-level imagery supplied by Street View and aerial photos available from the satellite to create a digital, realistic version of the world. The AI system reproduces the world in incredible detail, so you can browse a multidimensional version of a specific location right from Google Maps.
Immersive View for routes is specifically aimed at users who rely on Google Maps for navigation.
As anyone can guess from the feature's name, Immersive View lets you explore the routes generated in Google Maps.
When you generate a new route in Google Maps, you should see an option to preview it using Immersive View. Once the feature loads, you can see every turn in Google's realistic simulation, with options to view traffic conditions at a specific time. As a result, Google Maps makes every route even more predictable, as you can get familiar with a trip before starting driving.
Google explains that in addition to traffic conditions, the time slider also allows you to view air quality information and how the weather changes throughout the day. The whole idea is to get you prepared for the route so you'll know in advance what you're likely to expect when hitting the road.
As anyone can guess, Immersive View requires an incredible amount of data, so Google can't yet bring it to the entire world. However, the company promises to expand it to as many users as possible in the near future, so the option to preview routes will be limited to Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Paris, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, Tokyo, and Venice.
The rollout will begin in the coming months, with further specifics to be shared when the launch kicks off. Immersive View for routes will be available for driving, walking, and cycling.
Meanwhile, Google is also working on other important Google Maps improvements. The company is expanding the eco-friendly routing engine to new locations, including India. With this update, Google Maps will generate routes specifically focused on saving fuel, taking into account the road incline, traffic conditions, and other factors that contribute to cutting the carbon footprint of the vehicle. The fuel-saving routes are displayed alongside the fastest routes, so users can choose how to navigate to the destination.
Fuel-efficient routes are already available in the largest markets, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. The new suggestions show up occasionally without any change required on the user's side.
Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones. Full profile
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