Google Maps has unveiled a new AI-enhanced feature called the ‘screenshot list,’ designed to streamline travel planning by allowing users to save places of interest directly from their screenshots. Utilizing the Gemini AI technology, this feature automatically recognizes locations within users’ screenshots and provides an option to add them to a saved list in Google Maps. Currently, this feature is in the rollout phase for English-speaking iOS users in the US, with Android support expected to follow shortly.
The integration of AI into popular applications is becoming increasingly inevitable, as companies continue to enhance user experiences with advanced tools. Google’s Gemini, for instance, offers functionalities that help users with coding, document summarization in Workspace apps, and operates seamlessly across frequently used platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube. This latest advancement in Google Maps leverages Gemini’s ability to interpret context from screenshots, enabling users to inquire about various locations such as restaurants and shops.
According to a blog post from Google, travel inspiration often stems from social media and online articles, leading users to take screenshots that can easily get buried in their devices. With the new ‘screenshot list’ feature, Google Maps aims to help users manage these screenshots effectively. By activating this option, Gemini will identify and catalog relevant places from screenshots, thereby making them easy to review and save.
These saved locations will be marked with a unique camera icon in the app. The details regarding privacy for this feature remain somewhat ambiguous, particularly concerning how Gemini analyzes screenshots on users’ devices. It is not clear whether this involves a broad analysis or if it relies on specific indicators.
Additionally, the blog post highlights upcoming features like AI-driven trip recommendations for various regions and real-time hotel price tracking, further enhancing the travel planning experience.
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