Google Maps announced a slew of features and updates for its mapping service in India
In a year-end move to elevate user experience, As the year comes to a close, the tech giant is setting the stage for an even more innovative mapping experience in the coming year.
Among the notable additions is the introduction of Lens in Maps, set to launch in 15 Indian cities by January, initially on Android. This feature, which debuted in the U.S. and other global markets in October, employs a combination of artificial intelligence and augmented reality. When users point their smartphone cameras at a restaurant or café, Lens in Maps provides real-time information such as opening hours, ratings, reviews, and photos.
Another exciting addition is the launch of Live View walking navigation in India. This feature overlays arrows, directions, and distance markers on the Maps screen, facilitating seamless navigation to destinations. Initially available on Android, it is slated to roll out to over 3,000 cities and towns in the country.
Miriam Karthika, VP for Google Maps Experience, emphasized the diverse needs of India, calling it a “massive, massive country.” Addressing this, Google introduced Address Descriptors, a machine-learning-powered feature offering up to five relevant landmarks and area names around pinned addresses. This India-first capability will be available in over 75 Indian cities.
In a bid to contribute to environmental sustainability, Google is bringing fuel-efficient routing to India in January. This feature, which considers real-time traffic data, road elevation, and vehicle type, aims to reduce fuel consumption and limit carbon emissions for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers.
Expanding beyond mapping, Google has collaborated with India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and mobility app Namma Yatri. This partnership enables users to access metro schedules and make bookings directly through Google Maps. The feature will debut with Kochi metro in mid-next year.
Moreover, Google has expanded its Where Is My Train app, a popular choice for over 80 million users navigating intercity train journeys. The app now covers Mumbai and Kolkata local trains, with plans to include more cities over time.
Highlighting its impact in India, Google shared impressive statistics. The company has mapped millions of kilometers of roads and 300 million buildings across the country. With over 50 million daily searches on Maps, 2.5 billion kilometers of directions daily, and 60 million unique users contributing to Maps in India, Google has become an integral part of the country’s navigation landscape. Additionally, 30 million businesses and places are listed on Maps, fostering 900 million direct merchant-to-consumer connections.
Notably, Google introduced Street View in India last year, attracting over 50 million users. This move followed a six-year ban on the feature over security concerns, and Google partnered with local entities Genesys and Tech Mahindra for its implementation.
