Lens in Google Maps gets upgrade for users with visual impairments

Image: Google

The popular Lens feature in Google Maps is getting a boost for users with visual impairments. It gets enhanced screen reader support, allowing you to point your phone's camera at nearby businesses and get information like their hours of operation, ratings, and even directions. All this info will be read aloud by your device's screen reader. This update makes navigating unfamiliar areas and finding essential services easier than ever for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Source

Google Maps updates bring Immersive Views, Charging Stations, and more

Google

Google Maps has recently introduced several exciting features that promise to enhance user experience. Let’s dive into the details:

Immersive View for Routes

Google Maps now offers an “Immersive View” for route planning. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or driving, this feature allows you to explore your planned path through street-level, turn-by-turn visuals. Imagine virtually strolling down the streets of Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Tokyo before embarking on your journey. The feature is available on both iOS and Android platforms. You can also check out the streets of Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Venice.

Click to read more ...

Google Maps will let you see your route in 3D

Image: Google

Google announced a new feature for Immersive View at its recent I/O event. Immersive View for routes lets you see every part of your trip in advance, whether driving, walking, or cycling. The feature uses computer vision and AI to combine billions of Street View and aerial images for a realistic model of the world. You can explore it in detail and get helpful information about your route.

Click to read more ...

Google will bring its Waze and maps teams together to cut costs, reduce overlap

Google hopes to reduce overlap work in its mapping apps by merging the Waze and Maps teams. Waze's 500 employees will be part of Google's Geo organization, which oversees Maps, Earth, and Street View. There will be no layoffs as part of the reorganization, but Waze CEO Neha Parikh is expected to leave the role after the transition. Waze will continue to work as a separate app. The merge is expected to start today, December 9.

Source