Google I/O 2018: Maps goes beyond navigation, becomes about exploration
What's the story
Several updates have been announced to Google Maps at the company's ongoing Google I/O 2018 annual developer conference in California. The focus has shifted from Maps being exclusively a navigation tool to it becoming an AI-powered personalized service offering customized suggestions and recommendations based on location. The new features will roll out globally on Android and iOS mobile apps this summer.
Explore
The redesigned Explore tab will show trending places in vicinity
Google Maps has revamped its Explore tab. Now it'll serve as a "hub for everything new and interesting nearby." You can check out a particular location on Maps, and it will show you restaurants, events, and activities in that area. Further, features like the "Foodie List" will help you discover new, trending restaurants, curated with the help of local experts, publishers, and Google's algorithms.
Group Planning
Group planning will help friends vote on places of interest
This feature will allow you to create a list of potential group outing suggestions for friends to vote on. Long-press on a place listing and a chat head-like bubble will pop up that will follow you as you keep browsing and where you can compile all the options. Then the list can be shared with your friends, who can vote for their preferred venue.
Your Match
No longer basing your decisions on random restaurant ratings
Another major new feature is "Your Match." With this, Google Maps will assign you a personalized score regarding what types of restaurants you like. This is based on the kind of places you eat at or order from, the ratings you have given to restaurants, and your manually set eating-out preferences. Your Match will tell you how closely a restaurant matches your own preferences.
Information
A news feed-like experience with For You tab
The new "For you" tab will basically showcase interesting updates in your area and recommend new restaurants that have opened. Your feed will also feature algorithmically designed "Trending this week" lists. You'll be able to "follow" neighborhoods and cities you want to keep updated on.