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“Enhanced Navigation Features Unveiled by Google Maps for Indian Users: Address Descriptors, Live View Walking Navigation”

The Entrepreneur Bytes Team December 20, 2023 56

Google Maps is set to undergo a significant transformation for Indian users with a host of new features and enhancements geared towards refining navigation experiences. This tech giant, with a distinct focus on India, is introducing a diverse array of functionalities including address descriptors, live view walking navigation, fuel-efficient routing, and an elevated integration with public transport systems for select cities.

Google Maps Revolutionizes Navigation Experience for Indian Users with New Features and Innovations

The strategic emphasis on India underscores Google’s commitment to tailoring innovative features for this market, often paving the way for global adoption. Miriam Daniel, Vice President and General Manager of Google Maps, highlights the profound impact of AI algorithms and augmented reality in mapping millions of kilometers of urban and rural roads and mapping over 300 million buildings in India. These advancements continue to benefit millions of users daily, enabling over 50 million searches in multiple languages and supporting over 2.5 billion kilometers of directions every day on Google Maps.

A key addition, the ‘Address Descriptors’ feature, exclusively introduced in India, supplements location pins shared on Google Maps with up to five relevant landmarks or popular areas surrounding the specified address. This landmark referencing mirrors our natural inclination to navigate using familiar landmarks like roads, malls, hospitals, and markets, enhancing the contextual understanding of the destination.

The introduction of ‘Lens in Maps’ amplifies user experience by leveraging the phone’s camera within Google Maps. By pointing the camera at a street or market, this functionality lists nearby establishments, including shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering additional details such as business hours and ratings. While initially launching in 15 Indian cities from January 2024, this feature remains exclusive to Android devices for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, the live view walking navigation receives a substantial update with overlaid arrows, directions, and distance markers on the Maps screen, aiding users in route guidance and destination proximity. Presently available for over 3,000 Indian cities and towns, this feature remains Android-exclusive at present.

A highlight of Google’s commitment to sustainability is the implementation of fuel-efficient routing, leveraging AI algorithms to decode real-time traffic data. Expected to roll out in January, this feature considers factors like road elevation changes and vehicle type to minimize fuel usage and emissions, making hybrid and electric vehicles particularly beneficial in stop-start traffic scenarios.

Moreover, Google intends to expand its public transport integration, aiming to include metro schedules and two-wheeler-specific fuel-saving routes, benefitting users in India and Indonesia initially, with a global rollout in 2024.

The updates mark Google’s continued efforts to enhance navigation experiences for Indian users, promoting efficient, sustainable, and comprehensive travel solutions across the country’s diverse transport landscape.

Sources By Agencies