Google Maps Will Let You Do a 'Vibe Check' on Unfamiliar Neighborhoods
As we inch closer to the busy holiday travel season, Google Maps is rolling out new features(Opens in a new window) that let users "experience a place as if you're there"—thanks to new advancements in computer vision and predictive models.
Whether you're calling in on friends or family, looking for a new home, or just making a pit stop on a longer road trip, visiting a new area can be daunting. Google's upcoming "neighborhood vibe" feature aims to overcome those fears with crowdsourced photos and information.
By combining artificial intelligence with local knowledge from Maps users, Google can tell you if a region is particularly artsy or has an exciting food scene, "so you can make an informed decision on how to spend your time," says Chris Phillips, VP and general manager for Google Maps.
Google in May introduced immersive view(Opens in a new window), which offers multi-dimensional panoramas of a neighborhood, landmark, or popular venue overlaid with details like weather, traffic, and busyness. Now, the company is adding photorealistic aerial views of more than 250 global landmarks, including the Tokyo Tower and Acropolis.
Heading to a San Francisco Giants game before the MLB season ends soon? Check Google Maps for all the information you need to plan the day at Oracle Park, including finding parking lots and entrances, knowing whether to bring a jacket, and taking a peek inside a nearby restaurant.
The feature will be available soon to those searching Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo on Android and iOS.
Even the most savvy Maps user can benefit from some extra help, which is why Google introduced search with Live View. Building on existing augmented reality tech that overlays arrows and
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