Have you ever wanted to check out the vibe of a place so you know if it’s worth a visit before making the trek? Well, now you can, because Google has just launched ‘immersive view’ an AR exploration technology that puts the most famous cities in the world right in the palm of your hand. Thanks to Google’s investments in AI over recent years, Google Maps will be changing in the way it’ll help you explore with an all-new immersive view of the world, find the most fuel-efficient route, and use the magic of Live View in your favourite third-party apps. Sound like the future? It is, and here’s why.
Image: Google
With Google Maps’ new Immersive View, you can expect to not just see a location, but actually experience what a neighbourhood, landmark, restaurant or popular venue is like. You will be able to feel like you’re there, even before you’ve left your couch. Say goodbye to disappointment at the entry to a much-anticipated venue or restaurant because you can know exactly what’s in store with a little bit of forward-thinking. So, whether you’re travelling somewhere new or scoping out hidden local gems, an immersive view will help you make the most informed decisions before you go.
The update is particularly useful for travelling. For all those nomads out there, you’ll no longer have to struggle your way through a foreign city and end up in all the wrong places. With Google Maps’ helpful information layered on top, you can use the time slider to check out what an area looks like at different times of day and in various weather conditions, and see where the busy spots are. So, if you’re someone who hates crowds, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in one at the wrong place at the wrong time. Looking for a spot for lunch? Glide down to a street level to explore nearby restaurants and see helpful information, like live busyness and nearby traffic. You can even look inside them to quickly get a feel for the vibe of the place before you book your reservation.
Google also has kept the environment in mind, with eco-friendly routing which lets you see and choose the most fuel-efficient route when looking for driving directions – helping you save money on petrol. This feature, along with an immersive view, has been launched in the US and Canada and will be rolling out to more city’s across the globe soon.
If this is what the future looks like, we aren’t complaining. Check out the full Google blog post below for more information.
