Google Maps is already a godsend. Wherever you are in the world, it offers public transport timetables, navigation for all kinds of travel and business opening times – and that’s just scratching the surface. When you really think about it, that amount of info, all at your fingertips, is simply nuts.
But soon Maps could be getting a whole lot fancier. A huge new update is set to introduce an ‘immersive view’ setting, which will allow users to navigate cities through detailed digital models of roads, complete with buildings and landmarks.
The new feature was built using artificial intelligence, which fused together billions of aerial images and pics from Google Street View. Beyond simple navigation, the idea is that people will be able to get a feel for an area (and even see inside some restaurants) before visiting. Which sounds pretty cool, right? No more gambling on remote neighbourhoods in unknown cities.
Google Maps has also seen another significant update in the past few months. The app recently introduced ‘eco-friendly routing’ across the USA and Canada, with Maps now showing which routes are most fuel-efficient. This feature is set to be expanded to parts of Europe in the coming months.
‘Immersive view’ will be rolled out in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo later this year, with other cities to follow soon after. If you’re interested in finding out more, check out this website.
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