Augmented Reality and Google Maps, what's the next big news?

Google Maps is a product of the Google Inc. It guides users on their way and helps them reach their destination. Now, Google is going to implement a new technology on Google Maps, soon the Google Maps will come with the Augmented Reality mode. Installation of the Augmented Reality to the Google Maps will make it better than before and also enhance the user’s experience.

According to Google, the navigation vis Google Maps will become easier. A virtual character will be there to guide you. It is also a good news for the augmented Reality app developers, as they can target the Google to deliver their services.

The Blue Dot

Image Source: https://goo.gl/vPtKPW

We all are aware of the blue dot implemented in the Google Maps. Also, most of us are familiar with the blue dot. The blue dot is what Google uses as a navigation tool in its Map. It shows users their current location and helps users reaching the exact location as per the entered address.

Soon, the users will get rid of the blue dot embedded in the Google Maps. Google is working on a new technology. This new technology will boost the user’s experience. Now, Google is planning to install the virtual reality on Google Maps.

What is the need to install the augmented reality on the Google Maps?

Though the blue dot in the Google Maps is a very useful tool, sometimes it shows the wrong direction to the users. Or the users find it difficult to manage in terms of finding the correct direction.

Consider a situation in which you lost the track on your way. In such a condition, when you do not know the exact direction and now that you are completely dependent on the blue dot in Google Maps. In such a condition, you need an assistant. The assistant will help you find the exact direction on your way. This is what the idea of the Google Inc.

Google is planning to launch a virtual assistant on Google Maps. The virtual assistant will guide the users on their way and help them find the exact direction. That's why the Google is working on the Augmented Reality technology. The Augmented reality on the Google Maps will improve the walking navigation and hence, enhance the users' experience.

“You instantly know where you are. No fussing with the phone. The street names, the directions, right there in front of you." - Amarna Chennapragada, Google's Vice President

The Augmented Fox

Image Source: https://goo.gl/ZWzt5g

The Augmented Fox is an animated character. It is a cute animated fox. For now, as a demo, Google is using this fox as a virtual assistant. The fox will let users know the correct direction. The idea to implement the virtual assistant like the Augmented Fox is useful. The fox walks along with the users on the way virtually and turns left or right as per the route. This help users navigate the map easily as compared to earlier navigation.

The Augmented Fox - A demo or the final update?

In the conference, Google has shown the Augmented Fox as a demo character. But, it is not clear whether Google is going to finalize this character or is planning to launch another one. In the conference, the audience welcomed this cute fox character with claps and cheers.

• Details of the project

This all-new feature of the Google Maps uses the camera of the user’s smartphones. Along with the current location, it also displays the names of the streets and directions. Besides this, as the users move their smartphone's camera through the places, it displays the names of the nearby places as well. Such information is shown as a pop-up on the screen.

As explained, the Augmented reality animal, fox, in this case, will walk through the way. The fox will act as a helpful virtual guide for the users.

Apart from this, Google is also planning to launch some new features to the Google Maps. Have a look, what are these new features?

• For You

Google is going to add a new feature named ‘For You’. It is a tab which shows customized suggestions on the nearby restaurants in a particular area. Besides this, it also shows the trending places in the local areas. This new feature will help users remain updated with the current events in their area.

It shows recommendations based on your food preferences and likes n the past.

• Group Planning/Social Features

This is the feature that users really want on a map. For the first time, Google is planning to launch the social features. This feature lets users share their favourite places, food, or restaurant preferences with their friends. Soon, users will be able to create a list of their favourite places and share it with their friends.

All the friends will then be able to vote for the places added to the list. In addition, all the friends will also be able to add their suggested places to the list. It helps you decide the place where to go. Also, it saves your time in planning for a trip.

This is a great feature to know the preferences of a number of people about different places.

Switching from GPS to VPS

The technology used by the Google in this context is called VPS. VPS stands for Visual Positioning System. The technology uses your smartphone's camera and lets you know where you are. The technology shows the real-time information to the user about the things he sees in his camera.

Conclusion

Google is continuously trying to improve the technology and make it more advanced and comfortable for the users. Recently, Google has shown the demo of the all-new Google Assistant in the conference. And now, it is planning to launch the Augmented Reality on its map. The new version of the Google Maps is a good news for the users of Google products. From Google, many mobile apps development companies can learn how to improve the users' experience.