Google Maps launches generative AI features

Google Maps will soon help people discover places with its new feature that uses generative artificial intelligence (AI).The new feature aims to provide personalized recommendations based on users specific needs.By leveraging large language models (LLMs), Google Maps can analyze its database of over 250 million places and insights from its community of more than 300 million contributors. This allows the generative AI to quickly generate tailored suggestions for users, whether they have a specific niche in mind or a broader idea of what they are looking for.Google says the feature will first become available in the US, but theres no word yet on when other countries will also get it.Google says its starting small with this first integration, working collaboratively with the companys Local Guides community of contributors to ensure that generative AI is employed thoughtfully. That means only these contributors will initially have access to the generative AI feature in Google Maps. The company will then open it up to other users at a later date.