• Source:JND
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Google Maps is a capable companion for commuting across different destinations across India. To enhance this experience even further, the company announced a diverse set of features that will debut in India in the future. For starters, the company has announced the addition of Lens, Live View Walking and more on Tuesday at an event, according to TechCrunch. Here are feature-wise details about all the announcements.

Google Lens Integration In Maps: Launched in the United States and a few other markets earlier this year, Lens will utilise a blend of AI (artificial intelligence) and AR (augmented reality) technologies to offer details about the working hours, reviews, images and more of select place using a smartphone's camera. It will be available in 15 cities in India in January on Android (iOS support to debut later).

Also Read: Google Maps Now Gives More Control To Users With New Update, Introduces New Features; Details

Live View While Walking: The Live View feature will display arrows, directions and distance markers on the Maps' UI screen for easy navigation to a destination. It will roll out for Android users in over 3,000 cities and towns in the initial stage.

Lens integration Google Maps debuted in the US in October. (Representational Image: Unsplash)

Address Descriptors: The feature uses a mix of ML algorithms to allow users to view the five most suitable landmarks and area names in a pinned address' vicinity and show a landmark reference once a Maps user shares a location, according to the report. This India-first feature will arrive in 75+ cities.

Fuel-Efficient Routing: To be available from January, it will allow users an option to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions on two-wheelers and four-wheelers. A green leaf icon will help users distinguish eco-friendly routes during their commute. It will use AI to comprehend data about traffic, elevation of the road and a vehicle's engine to label such routes.

Also Read: Here's How You Can Explore A Place With Street View In Google Maps

Besides these new features, the company has collaborated with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Namma Yatri, a mobility app, to allow users to view "metro schedules and bookings" via Maps, TC noted. The functionality will arrive first in Kochi (mid-2024), followed by other metros. The company has also upgraded its Where Is My Train app to add Mumbai and Kolkata train journey details. Support for more regions will arrive soon.