Shamontiel L. Vaughn
For regular business and leisure travelers, walking around an airport or traveling to certain cities is as easy as walking from their living rooms to the kitchen. But for those who are not as comfortable with navigation, Google Map’s latest 100 artificial intelligence improvements will come in handy.
According to Google’s official blog, augmented reality and its global localization technology can scan tens of billions of Street View images to figure out where you are in airports, malls and public transit stations. Live View will assist smartphone users trying to find nearby ATMs, baggage claim, check-in counters, the elevators and escalators, departure gates, restrooms, and ticket stands. Instead of trying to figure out where “You are here” map floor displays are, use Live View to see what floor a desired store or eatery is on and how to get there.
Indoor Live View is now available on Android and iOS smartphones in popular cities such as Chicago, Long Island, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. Later this year, it will also start rolling out in international places such as Tokyo and Zurich.
While there are already more than enough weather apps, Google will be upgrading their own selections. And eco-friendly users may be especially interested in how the navigation choices incorporate lower fuel consumption (based on road inclines and traffic congestion) with help from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab. Other worldwide sustainability alerts (ex. locations that ban diesel cars and specific emissions stickers, or available biking routes) will also be included in traveling tips.
And for users who still aren’t thrilled about the idea of shopping in stores during a worldwide health pandemic, the Business Profiles on Google Maps and Google Search will list delivery providers, pickup and delivery windows, fees, and minimum purchase prices. Instacart and Albertsons Cos. stores in the United States are first up. Retailers will benefit, too, with the option to monitor arrival time for customers who choose store pickups instead of delivery.
For more Google Maps updates, click here.
