Key Highlights
- Google Maps has introduced new AI features to enhance India’s navigation and exploration experiences.
- The AI approach is designed to help navigate small streets, prepare for upcoming flyovers, and locate EV charging stations.
- The app allows users to easily book metro tickets and report road incidents.
In India, Google Maps has added new features to improve navigation and exploring experiences, making them more sustainable and effective. These elements are designed to meet the nation’s specific navigational requirements. Among these is a specially designed AI approach for navigating small streets, preparing for upcoming flyovers, and finding EV charging stations. In addition, the Google Maps app now allows users to order metro tickets, and reporting road incidents has become easier. Real-time road disruptions can now be seen on the map by the largest community of map contributors thanks to the upgrade.
For Indian users, Google Maps is rolling out an artificial intelligence (AI) feature that will assist four-wheeler drivers in navigating narrow roads. The feature seeks to decrease the use of small roads in unfamiliar locations by utilising Street View, satellite imaging, and other data such as building distances, types of roads, and paved parts.
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With no impact on trip time or distance, four-wheelers may now steer clear of small roads thanks to enhanced AI routing algorithms. This helps commuters, bikers, and pedestrians in addition to four-wheelers. Furthermore, Google is incorporating audible alerts into Maps Directions and Navigation panels to notify users of any tight areas of their route, enabling them to proceed with caution or select a different route. With intentions to soon expand to iOS and additional cities, the feature is now being rolled out on Android devices in eight cities.
A new feature coming soon to Google Maps will alert you of flyovers along your suggested path so you can plan and get ready. Users of Android apps and Android Auto will begin to notice flyover callouts for both two- and four-wheeler active navigation in 40 Indian cities this week. Support for iOS and CarPlay is on the horizon.
Developers will soon have access to Narrow Roads and Flyover capabilities via India’s Google Maps Platform Routes API, which will enable them to incorporate these features into their apps and services, improving location-based experiences for Indian customers.
Google Maps is partnering with top providers ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq to bring information on electric vehicle charging stations in India. Through the partnership, consumers can access full information about more than 8,000 charging stations, including plug types and current availability. Users can verify if the station is open and filter based on the type of charger. India is the first nation to get this feature, which is a first for Google Maps as it allows EV charging stations for two-wheelers on the map for the first time. Google intends to increase real-time data availability and dependability while also extending coverage across the country.
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In collaboration with ONDC and Namma Yatri, Google has introduced a new metro booking experience on Google Maps in Chennai and Kochi. By using the service, customers can book their tickets in advance, saving them time and avoiding lineups at stations. In these cities, you can find the new booking option when looking for directions for public transit. Without having to wait at the station, the booking and payment process is guided by a single tap. Google intends to add more cities and public transport options to this service.
The process of reporting road accidents has been made simpler by Google Maps. With only a few taps, the update makes it easier to report road issues, like ongoing construction or traffic accidents. In India, this update is compatible with iOS, Android Auto, Android, and Apple CarPlay.
With the new “Lists” function, users of Google Maps can now create, share, and work together on lists of their favourite locations. Users may now vote on places using emojis, share recommendations, and add their suggestions to the itinerary thanks to the enhanced feature. Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur are among the 10 main cities and tourism destinations for which Google Maps has curated lists in collaboration with regional specialists like NDTV Food and magicpin.
