Google Maps is introducing a generative AI function that will help you uncover new locations, the corporate introduced at present.

Utilizing giant language fashions (LLMs), the brand new function analyzes the over 250 million areas on Google Maps and contributions from over 300 million Native Guides to drag up ideas based mostly on what you’re on the lookout for. As an illustration, if you wish to discover cool thrift retailers in San Francisco, you may search “locations with a classic vibe in SF,” and Maps will generate purchasing suggestions organized by classes, in addition to “picture carousels and assessment summaries,” the corporate explains. The brand new function is supposed to really feel extra conversational than the bizarre search expertise. When you ask a follow-up query like “How about lunch?” the AI will take your earlier curiosity in classic and discover eating places that meet the standards, akin to an old-school diner.

The corporate says the function ought to be capable to generate suggestions on even essentially the most area of interest or particular question.

The early entry experiment is rolling out this week within the U.S. and might be obtainable to pick Native Guides, Google’s group of members that contribute opinions, info and photographs on Maps to assist different customers with detailed details about completely different areas. It’ll turn into obtainable to different customers within the close to future. The corporate hasn’t but mentioned which different international locations would get the function.

In October, Google up to date Maps to be extra like a search instrument, introducing numerous AI-powered options like picture outcomes and the power to counsel particular locations when coming into imprecise queries like “issues to do.” The brand new generative AI function seems to be the following step in Maps’ journey to turning into a vacation spot for locating new locations fairly than solely utilizing it for navigation.

“That is only the start of how we’re supercharging Maps with generative AI,” Google wrote in at present’s weblog put up.