At the keynote presentation of the Google I/O event, today, May 18, the following were announced: several new features protocols for Google Maps and its augmented reality feature, Live View, as well as more detail for maps in the app. Thus, Google Maps will also receive updates that are not linked to AR mode, such as more detailed street maps. The new maps will show sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian islands on streets and avenues, important information for people in wheelchairs or with baby strollers.

Google Live View already shows the direction users need to follow, with arrows and AR signs, through the phone's camera to get from where you are to your desired destination in large cities. Now, Google Maps will also provide reviews of other users of nearby shops and restaurants through the Live View augmented reality interface, as well as how busy the location is.

The new Google Maps feature will also point out city landmarks, and directions to your hotel, if the user is in a new city, for example.

Indoor Live View, AR maps of indoor environments

In the coming months, Google Maps will also roll out Indoor Live View: augmented reality maps for navigating often-challenging public places like airports, subway stations, and shopping malls. According to Liz Reid, Google’s vice president of engineering, Indoor View will be available at Zurich airports and train stations this week, and will be coming to Tokyo in April.

Two more useful features to be added to Google Maps. First, maps customized by time of day, such as cafes and bakeries at the beginning of the day, or restaurants and bars at the end of the day. Second: the Area Busyness feature, which will allow you to see how busy a neighborhood or commercial area is at a certain time, to avoid crowds during the day. pandemic.

According to Reid, Google Maps augmented reality updates should reach 50 major cities by the end of the year, including São Paulo.