Google Maps brings a 3D map to your driving directions
SMRTR summary
Google's latest update to Maps promises to transform how drivers navigate by replacing the familiar flat view with a three-dimensional landscape powered by Gemini AI. The company calls it the most significant overhaul to driving directions in about a decade, with artificial intelligence deciding what to highlight and what to hide, pulling from Street View imagery to render buildings and overpasses in depth.
The AI enhancement extends beyond visuals. Voice guidance now speaks more naturally, telling drivers to "go past this exit and take the next one" rather than rattling off unfamiliar street names. When suggesting alternate routes, Maps will explain the tradeoffs, perhaps noting a path takes longer but avoids heavy traffic.
A new "Ask Maps" feature lets users pose conversational questions to Gemini, like finding a spot to charge your phone and grab coffee without long waits. The chatbot sifts through reviews and location data to provide personalized recommendations based on your search history.
The immersive driving experience launches today in the US across Android, iOS, CarPlay and Android Auto, while Ask Maps debuts in the US and India.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Engadget.
Read the original article