- Google Maps rolled out personalized AI recommendations to enhance local business discovery.
- Leverages generative models trained on 250M locations and Local Guides data.
- Latest innovation pushes Maps beyond navigation into a more conversational discovery platform.
New personalized recommendations
Google Maps has introduced an AI-powered feature aimed at improving local business discovery.
Rolling out this week to select U.S. users, the new capability leverages generative AI to provide personalized recommendations of places to go based on natural language queries.
Dubbed “generative recommendations,” the feature allows users to get suggestions by search queries such as “places with a vintage vibe in SF.”
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Enhancing local discovery
According to Google, advanced natural language processing can understand nuanced requests and return smart, tailored results – including categories, photos, and reviews. Follow-up questions drive further personalized picks.
The new capability stems from training large AI models on Google Maps’ 250 million locations and content from its army of Local Guides.
Google says the technology is adept even at niche, unique queries to uncover “hidden gems.” Early access is launching for Local Guides this week ahead of a broader rollout.
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Maps that are beyond navigation
Generative AI represents Google’s latest push to evolve Maps beyond just navigation towards an AI-first discovery engine. Last year, Google introduced updates allowing Maps to interpret imprecise search terms better.
The new recommendations feature is the next phase towards a more conversational, contextual mapping experience.
Google stated this is only the start of leveraging generative AI, signaling more enhancements ahead as the technology advances. For now, the feature is U.S-only with plans to expand availability in the future.
