(Credit: Thomas Fuller/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Google wants to make sure the images you're uploading to Google Maps are as helpful as possible, and it's using AI to do it, of course.
Maps will now suggest photos you should upload, provided it has access to your gallery. Once you provide that from app settings, you’ll automatically see photos and videos from your recent outings highlighted in the Contribute tab. These recommendations are available on Android at launch, and will roll out to iOS in the coming months.
(Credit: Google)Once you select the photo or video you’d like to upload, Gemini will analyze the media and suggest the most appropriate caption. “Captions add valuable context to photos, but it can sometimes be tough to find the right words,” Google says.
Note that these are AI-generated photo captions, not reviews of the place itself. These captions are short, headline-like titles for images. Once Gemini generates them for you, you can keep them as is or make changes.
(Credit: Google)AI captions in Maps are available in English for iOS users in the US. They will expand to Android and users worldwide in the coming months.
Finally, Google is making interface changes across iOS, Android, and desktop that will encourage users to post more often. You’ll now see your total impact points and achievement badges more prominently in the Contribute tab. The same goes for Local Guide levels on your profile page. High-level contributors will also receive gold-colored profiles.
"Photos, reviews, and videos of authentic experiences make it possible for people to confidently decide what to do and where to go,” Google says.
Google Maps also received numerous AI-powered features last month. First, it got 3D views for navigation and a Gemini-powered, interactive “Ask Maps” feature for your queries. Then it received an Android Auto update that uses AI to forecast how many charging stops you’ll need on an EV trip.