Google Maps Getting Gemini AI Tips, EV Charger Predictions, and Anonymous Reviews

[MacRumors]

Google today announced several new features that are coming to the Google Maps app, including Gemini-powered tips, trending places, and estimates on EV charger availability.

When searching for places in the Google Maps app like restaurants or hotels, there's now a "Know Before You Go" section that's powered by Gemini. The section provides tips on what to expect, pulling information from user reviews and other online content. It can include tips on how to book a reservation, what the secret menu items are, where to park, and more.

An updated Explore tab features trending and popular restaurants, activities, and popular sites near you. The suggestions can be accessed by swiping up, with curated lists from trusted sites easier to access.

Electric vehicle owners already have access to real-time information on whether charging locations have an open spot, but Google Maps will now use AI to predict how many chargers will likely be available at your arrival time to a charging location. Google says the feature uses AI to analyze historical and real-time charger availability for predictions so you can avoid charging lines.

Finally, Google is now adding support for sharing reviews without using your real name. Users can choose a nickname and profile picture to be associated with their reviews.

Insider tips are available today for iOS users, while the updated Explore tab and the review name change option is rolling out this month. Charger predictions will initially be limited to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in, but the functionality could eventually expand.

Article Link: Google Maps Getting Gemini AI Tips, EV Charger Predictions, and Anonymous Reviews

 

[Biro]

As I ask about so many other new features - regardless of platform - can any of this be turned off? Or so we have to look at them the way we have to look at “Guides We Love” in Apple’s Maps app?

 

[falainber]

Apple Maps users, don't worry. Apple will subcontract its maps AI features to Google anyways (at some point).

 

[GermanSuplex]

I cannot believe Apple Maps still doesn’t have decent street view in smaller cities across the the US.

 

[Rayansb]

oh great more useless AI crap. I swear in a couple of weeks diapers will be powered by AI.

 

[switz]

Not the aroma, though....

 

[WarmWinterHat]

And Apple continues to use Yelp, which I don’t think has anyone actually used in well over a decade. ☹️

 

[I7guy]

If the EV charger availability is half decent it would be great for CarPlay and Google Maps. Is Elon going to part with supercharger information?

 

[sevoneone]

Not the aroma, though....

You just know someone is totally working on an AI model focused on "tuning your stink" by varying diet/intake... The possibilities of AI are so limitless. /s

 

[sevoneone]

Finally, Google is now adding support for sharing reviews without using your real name. Users can choose a nickname and profile picture to be associated with their reviews.

I don't like this one. People already abuse reviews to attack and smear businesses for petty reasons. Letting people mask their identity will not help this.

 

[@Brett]

Apple Maps users, don't worry. Apple will subcontract its maps AI features to Google anyways (at some point).

Apple stated they would use Gemini until their son was up and running. We get choice at least which is what a loot of people ask for.

 

[Plutonius]

Gemini AI tip: The traffic is bad so stay home .

 

[svish]

Happy to see anonymized reviews. Should have been there a long time ago. Also not surprised to see Google adding AI features in Maps.

 

[timeislove]

Is this US only?

 

[page3]

And yet it still can’t get our roads the correct colours.

 

[Superhai]

Happy to see anonymized reviews. Should have been there a long time ago. Also not surprised to see Google adding AI features in Maps.

I don't like this one. People already abuse reviews to attack and smear businesses for petty reasons. Letting people mask their identity will not help this.

I agree with both of you, unfortunately. Too many businesses have attacked and smeared dissatisfied customers for petty reasons. But anonymizing have shown that customers goes to extreme lengths of exaggerating minor issues. And Googles ability to moderate or limit users for fake reviews? Well, let's look at how well it works so far, not to mention similar sites like YouTube comments.

 

[artifex]

I'm a Guide level 7 on Google Maps, and I've never had to share my real name. I think it's just grabbing the name I used for registering my GMail account back in the beta. Which is good, because up until September, Maps let strangers follow your profile, which is just creepy. Regardless, I don't think I'd do anonymous reviews, and I would probably discount most of the ones I saw. I assume, also, that "anonymous" doesn't mean Google won't know who made the review, so if people abuse that they're still at risk of getting their Google accounts suspended.