Google Maps delights with new features. The Immersive View mode has been long awaited. It was worth it

Google is constantly adding new features to its Maps, which have long ceased to be just car navigation. Currently, it is a rather powerful application for meticulously planning a trip and virtually exploring the world. Now – thanks to several new features – it will be even easier. First of all, let us warn you that these functions are not available in Poland at the moment.

Google Maps with great new AI features. We’ve been waiting for one for a long time

The most important novelty is the Immersive View mode, which has been awaited for several months (announced in May). After determining a specific route, Maps allows you to display a realistic, generated image of the city areas through which the prepared route leads. In Immersive View we can see the real appearance of the streets we intend to drive through, but also change the perspective, height or direction from which we look at the route.

Moreover, Immersive View generates the image taking into account additional effects related to weather and traffic. By selecting a specific time from the timeline, we will see, for example, heavy rain or heavy traffic predicted by Google. Additionally, a specific weather forecast will be displayed. These effects will help you choose the right time to start your trip. Therefore, the tool may prove very useful, e.g. when planning a bicycle trip.

What’s new in Google Maps photo: Google (Google Blog Polska)

“This completely new approach allows you to check every stage of your planned journey, regardless of whether you plan to travel by car, on foot or by bike,” he explains. This week, the feature will go live in Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice on Android and iOS devices. More cities will probably be added in the future.

Further functions also use AI

Another function of “Lens in Maps” is the ability to display the location of searched points (e.g. restaurants or ATMs) in augmented reality, i.e. on the image from the smartphone’s camera. For example, after exiting the subway, simply select the lens icon and lift your phone to see specific waypoints and route directions superimposed on an actual image of the street. The function will now be available in over 50 cities around the world, including: Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, Sao Paulo and Taipei.

Improvements also apply to car navigation. While driving, we will see specific instructions on which lane is best to use to exit the highway efficiently. In Europe, Google Maps will finally start displaying speed limits in real time. In the US, Google will, in turn, provide information about the availability of “HOV lines” popular overseas, i.e. lanes intended only for drivers who are carrying at least one or two passengers.