At the  beginning  of the year, an updated  version of  Google Maps will  start  helpfully  adding common  landmarks or  area references to any  location  pins you share with friends or  family.  

 New Delhi:  Navigation  apps  are also necessary to get  us from point A to point B,  but  they  are not  just  for that purpose.  For Google,  the impetus also comes from the  need to stay ahead of  rival navigation apps  increasingly  aimed at  public transport, as well as  growing  competition from rivals such as  MapmyIndia Mappls  in India  and  What3Words in  the  UK.  They took a big step forward this week, with a  series  of updates  to  Google Maps (most of  which are rolling  out in January  2024), defining experience and relevance. In a way, this  highlights  the  trajectory of  Google Maps in  India  and how  it will  define  the  development for the world. 

  Here’s  a  look at the evolution  of Google  Maps, highlighting  artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). At the  start  of the year, an updated  version of  Google Maps will  start  helpfully  adding common  landmarks or  area references to any  addresses  you share with friends or family (this can be  done through  any  means,  including WhatsApp messages). Building on Street  View,  the integration of Google Lens functionality  will allow users to simply point  their phone’s  camera  through  the Maps app to  see  overlays pointing to  shops, restaurants, cafes and other  attractions. Other  points of interest,  important nearby locations as well as  details such as  location opening  hours and ratings.  

 Walking navigation is getting its biggest update in years, as is public transport with new city additions (Mumbai and Kolkata,  just  as  importantly) to  metro  trips  on the  app  Where Is My  Train.  Fuel-efficient  routes  will  also be based  on  innovative  algorithms to  determine the  best possible  route  based on the fuel type for your specific mode of transport,  taking into account  intersections, elevation changes  as well as  real-time traffic  and traffic  data.  This  may  seem  like a one-size-fits-all  solution,  but  it’s not: two-wheeler-specific instructions  will work differently  than those for  cars. This  particular feature was first  launched in India and  Indonesia.  

  This is  an increasingly relevant  topic,  with Google setting the  trend  for India and  therefore for the  global  growth  of Google Maps.  Miriam Daniel, vice president and general manager of Google Maps at Google, said in an interview with HT:  “We  think  the next frontier  for  Google Maps is helping people go from knowing about a place to  really experience it.” “We  also  strive  to  meet India’s  diverse mobility needs, from sustainable  travel  to public transport,” she  added. Excerpts have been edited. 

For more information visit at https://happenrecently.com/zepto/?amp=1