Google recently unveiled a series of new features powered by AI for its Maps application, specifically tailored for users in India.
Google highlighted its development of a dedicated AI model
The company, based in the US, highlighted its development of a dedicated AI model designed with the unique characteristics of Indian roads in mind.
This model leverages satellite imagery and Street View data to accurately gauge road widths, and incorporates factors such as the type of road, the spacing between buildings, the presence of tree coverage, poles, and drainage systems.
Google facilitating easier and safer navigation for drivers
These considerations are aimed at facilitating easier navigation for drivers of four-wheeled vehicles through India’s often narrow roads.
These updates will also benefit motorcyclists using the two-wheeler mode and pedestrians utilizing the walking mode, ensuring safer navigation on Indian roads.
Additionally, Google introduced a new feature within its Maps service that signals the presence of flyovers along a user’s route.
Google also launched a warning system for drivers
Starting this week, this functionality will be accessible to users in 40 Indian cities, supporting navigation for both motorcycles and cars through the Android app and Android Auto, with iOS and CarPlay integrations to follow shortly.
Google also launched a warning system that alerts drivers to upcoming narrow passages, initially available in eight cities on Android, with plans to expand to iOS.
Google has partnered with ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq
Furthermore, in an initiative to support electric vehicle (EV) usage, Google has partnered with ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq to incorporate information about more than 8,000 EV charging stations into its Maps service.
This integration provides users with live updates on station availability and the types of charging plugs offered, including options for motorcycles—a first for Google on a global scale.
The company also streamlined the process for reporting road incidents within the app, allowing users to verify reports made by others. This feature is now available on Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay platforms.
Google announced an extension of its metro booking feature within Maps
Expanding its services further, Google announced an extension of its metro booking feature within Maps to include Kochi and Chennai, facilitated by a partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Namma Yatri, a ride-hailing application backed by Google. Users in these cities will now be able to receive a QR code as their metro ticket.
Google is also introducing curated lists in ten cities
In collaboration with NDTV Food and MagicPin, Google is also introducing curated lists in ten cities across India, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur. These lists offer personalized recommendations for tourists exploring these locations.