Through the help of high-quality 3D rendering and sophisticated artificial intelligence, Google is implementing a whole new way to utilize and see the world through its Maps application. Called "Immersive View," this new function will allow users to see the most real-time data possible on Google Maps, highlighting important details in an intuitive layer over locales, like London, as demonstrated amid Google's announcement.
Almost like an official "vibe check" of locales, Google's Immersive View, unlike either street or aerial view, gives users a feel for the areas they are visiting. On top of actual directional map concepts, fuel-efficient routes, and the best food or shopping stops, the new view functionality will add an actual overlay of the surrounding area, allotting keen details on potential travel destinations.
"Thanks to advances in computer vision and AI that allow us to fuse together billions of Street View and aerial images to create a rich, digital model of the world - we're introducing a whole new way to explore with Maps," reads Google's official blog post. "With our new immersive view, you'll be able to experience what a neighborhood, landmark, restaurant or popular venue is like - and even feel like you're right there before you ever set foot inside."
Related Article: Google Launches Matter, its Smart Home intitative with Nest, Google Fi, Android Support
Immersive View will include incredible new features, like a time of day slider for people who want to know the best spots for each specific point in time, weather conditions, street business, and even full 3D explorations of certain things businesses' interiors. Google thus far says the concept will debut for "just about any phone and device" sometime later this year in specific cities, such as London, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, and San Francisco.
Adds Google, "So whether you're traveling somewhere new or scoping out hidden local gems, immersive view will help you make the most informed decisions before you go."
The blog post also features additional information on Google's Live View concept and eco-friendly routine concepts. The latter gives Google Maps users a whole new routing option in the form of fuel-efficient directions to diminish the consistent burden of carbon emissions on the environment. The feature is thus far only available in the US and Canada but is expanding shortly to Europe in Google's efforts to combat ever-rising gas prices and environmental concerns.
Live View, which utilizes augmented reality to assist in on-foot travel through overlaid directional arrows on the world, will now be able to "point you where you need to go in a matter of seconds," thanks to the implementation of global localization. Google is also making its Live View internals free for all developers via ARCore Geospatial API, which would allow for a host of innovative new concepts.
Google's AR API tools are being worked on via Japan-based Curiosity and DOCOMO, which build gamified experiences around Tokyo landmarks entailing players using their phones to fend off dragons with a robot companion. Across the globe, Lime is using the technology to bolster its electric scooter brand by aiding users in finding more responsible parking spots for their e-bikes and e-scooters. Accenture and Telstra are utilizing it in Melbourne's Marvel Stadium to assist fans in more accurately finding their seats.
