Google Maps is getting a simplified user contribution and review process in a few key areas, such as automatic photo suggestions based on your personal library and Gemini-powered captions for your posts.
Being a contributor in Google Maps isn’t much different than leaving a review for any other product, but Google wants to increase the number of contributions left so places and interests are easier to find. Google says it has over 500 million contributors, and with a few new changes, that number could jump significantly.
Google just announced a set of new features within the Maps app. The changes specifically target the contribution process to remove some friction in the photo contribution and review process.
Part of an updated Maps interface will mean the app may ask you for full media access. If allowed, the Google Maps app will begin suggesting you post a photo using your own photos as suggestions. Your photos will be highlighted in the Contribute tab, based on recently visited places.
This feature will be entirely dependent on the level of access Google Maps has in Android and iOS. To curb Maps’ ability to see and suggest your photos, you can set the app to “allow limited access.”
Once a review or contribution photo is chosen, Gemini in Google Maps will be available to create captions for you. Google says Gemini will analyze the image to create its own captions. Those can then be edited or completely removed. The option to include a custom caption will still be available.
Google Maps is also making visual adjustments to contributor scoring. The total number of points earned by posting photos and videos will be displayed more prominently in the Contribute tab, and Local Guide levels will be displayed on user profiles with clearer achievements. Trusted contributors will also be easier to spot among seas of reviews.
Some of these changes are already live, like the Gemini-powered photo suggestion feature. That’s live on Android and iOS. Caption suggestions are live on iOS in the US, but will expand to Android users and across the globe “in the coming months.”
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments