Google Maps
Google is now rolling out new features to make it easier for users to contribute local knowledge to Google Maps. The tech giant has announced that Gemini can now automatically generate captions when users share their photos or videos of places.Once a photo is selected, Gemini will analyse the image and then suggest a caption, which users can edit or remove before posting. The feature is presently available in English on iOS for the users in the US. The company may soon expand the feature globally to Android in the coming months.”Captions add valuable context to photos, but it can sometimes be tough to find the right words. To help get you started, we’re using the power of our Gemini models to suggest a draft.Once you select your photos, Gemini analyzes the images to create captions that you can edit or remove. Caption suggestions are available now in English on iOS in the U.S., and will expand globally and to Android in the coming months,” said Google in a blog post.To simplify contributions, Google Maps now surfaces recent photos and videos directly in the “Contribute” tab if users enable media access in their phone settings.From there, they can quickly select and post content. Google explained: “Photos and videos you post help people better understand a place, like the overall vibe or the newest menu. Now, we’re making it easier to find the right image for sharing.”Photo and video recommendations are available globally on both iOS and Android.Google is also enhancing its Local Guides program, which relies on community contributions from over 500 million users worldwide. Contributors will now see total points earned displayed in the “Contribute” tab, while updated achievement badges highlight whether someone is an “expert fact-finder,” “master photographer,” or “rising novice.” High-level contributors will be easier to spot with new gold-colored profiles.With AI-powered captions, streamlined photo sharing, and improved contributor recognition, Google is making it easier and more rewarding for users to keep Maps fresh and useful.
