Google, the American technological behemoth, intends to make Maps and Search more immersive. Google disclosed its intention to help consumers discover the world around them in a more engaging way during a recent Google event on Wednesday. In search results, these new elements will include neighbourhood ‘vibe check’ and ‘visual ahead.’
The Vibe expands on an existing Google Search function called ‘around me.’ It tries to show people what is popular nearby, such as a popular restaurant or location, using real-time data. This data will also include photographs and reviews for popular places in a neighbourhood, allowing consumers to get a sense of the place before visiting there.
In addition, the search engine is introducing ‘visual ahead’ in search results. As the name implies, it would allow visitors to gain a visual sense of a search word, particularly in the case of tourist destinations and vacation sites. Google will display tiles built of images as part of this functionality, comparable to photo stories on Instagram and Snapchat. When a user searches for a travel destination, the browser will provide related links, travel sites, and guides with photographs. The new capabilities will be available to users in the coming months, when users in certain locations will have access to an improved search experience.
The new feature, which was first announced at Google I/O, will provide users with a 3D aerial picture of the searched region. Users will be able to monitor the weather, traffic, and even specific buildings using Google’s Immersive View.
Furthermore, the immersive feature will enhance the Live View function in the Google Maps app. At the moment, the Live view uses augmented reality to show directions by superimposing information such as walking directions on top. Users will now be able to find objects like ATMs or restaurants on their phone’s screen, as well as enjoy a simpler navigation interface, thanks to the new Immersive function.
