Google has decided to expand the scope of artificial intelligence and add it to the Google Maps service. This innovation is expected to enable users to find places of interest through the use of large language models.

The new feature will respond to requests for restaurant or store recommendations by analyzing detailed Maps information about more than 250 million places and feedback from more than 300 million community members. The new feature will be available in the US first. It is not yet known when it will spread to other countries.

Google itself describes the possibility of using this function as follows:

“Let’s say you’re visiting San Francisco and want to schedule a few hours to find unique vintage finds. Just ask Maps what you’re looking for, such as “vintage places in San Francisco.” Our AI models will analyze Maps’ extensive information about nearby businesses and places, as well as photos, ratings and reviews from the Maps community, to give you recommendations you can trust.”

It’s not clear how different this would be from, say, simply searching for “vintage store San Francisco” in a regular Google Maps search bar.

Initially, members of the Local Guides community will have access to the new generative AI feature in Google Maps. Later, the company will open access to all users.

Source: The Verge