Google Maps now has a new feature to search for places using generated AI

Miriam Daniel, vice president of Google Maps, reports that Google Maps will incorporate generative AI and greatly improve usability.

Google Maps: New Generative AI feature coming to Local Guides

Google Maps is getting 'supercharged' with generative AI - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/1/24057994/google-maps-generative-ai-llm-local-guide-search

According to Daniel, Google Maps, with its built-in generative AI, uses large-scale language models (LLMs) to provide detailed information about more than 250 million locations and trusted reviews from more than 300 million people. will analyze it and immediately suggest where to go.

Let's say you're visiting San Francisco and looking for a bargain vintage item. Previously, you would have searched using phrases such as 'San Francisco vintage shops,' but now you can simply ask a question using natural sentences such as 'Where you can find vintage in San Francisco,' and Google Maps will search for nearby shops. It will suggest reliable information based on a wealth of information about places and places, as well as photos, ratings, and reviews submitted by the community.

Search results are displayed by category, such as 'Clothing Stores,' 'Record Stores,' and 'Flea Markets,' each with photos and a summary of reviews, as well as an explanation of why the suggestion was made.

Also, if you follow up with a question like ``Would you like to have lunch?'', the customer will suggest a restaurant that matches the atmosphere while keeping in mind that they like vintage items.

Even if it suddenly starts raining and your plans are ruined, you can just ask, 'What activities do you want to do on a rainy day?' and suggestions for activities you can do indoors will be displayed. If you add the information ``things you can do as a family,'' you will see locations such as bowling alleys and children's centers, and you can read reviews from people who have visited in the past.

These functions will initially be available for the United States in early February 2024. Plans for expansion in other regions are unknown.

In addition, the news site The Verge points out that it is unclear how the results are different from the results of typing 'San Francisco Vintage' in the conventional Google Maps search box, and that it will probably display a list of nearby stores. I expected it to be more conversational.