Augmented reality can now help you find local hotspots on Google Maps

Published on: Saturday, November 19, 2022

By: ETX Studio, Malay Mail

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Google Maps will allow you to discover open or highly rated businesses nearby, directly via the camera of your smartphone. — Picture courtesy of Google

SAN FRANCISCO: Google has announced that it is making it possible for Maps users to see nearby establishments and services in AR on their smartphone screen when in the app. This new feature is being rolled out for half a dozen cities, including Los Angeles and Tokyo.

Google is giving Maps users the ability of finding stores, eateries and more in augmented reality. The idea is simply to take advantage of your smartphone’s camera to get a new view of your environment with this additional layer and discover on the screen cafes, restaurants, hotels and other establishments listed by Google in a specific area.

Launched in 2019, Live View is a feature that aims to make it easier for users to get around, thanks to augmented reality. It is accessible for any walking route where the direction is displayed directly on the screen, in the form of arrows affixed to imagery of the real environment. The intuitive tool proves to be very practical when you’re visiting a specific location for the first time.

Now it is also possible to locate nearby shops in this way on your screen. Maps even allows you to apply filters to see the highest-rated or those currently open. To access it, just tap the camera icon in the Maps search bar to see nearby establishments. In addition to businesses, one can also locate services, such as a nearby ATM or transit station.