Google Maps is evolving into a more AI-driven platform with the introduction of landmark-based navigation and a Gemini-powered version of Google Lens. The new features aim to provide users with a more intuitive and human-like direction-finding experience.
The landmark-based navigation, now available for Android and iOS users in the US, replaces traditional turn-by-turn directions with references to familiar locations such as restaurants, gas stations, and buildings. This approach aims to enhance navigation by using easily recognizable landmarks instead of relying on street names or distance measurements.
The Gemini-powered Google Lens within Maps offers users a smarter way to interact with their surroundings. Users can ask questions about a place, its popularity, ambiance, and even check if they accept walk-ins, making the exploration of new locations more convenient.
These new features, combined with recent additions like Live Lane Guidance and Power Saving Mode, are transforming Google Maps into a more sophisticated AI-driven navigation tool. However, the question remains whether users will trust and find these new features more helpful than the traditional navigation style.
