Skift Take
Google has a grasp on product that is the envy of everyone. But it is equally matched by its contempt for the rights of the content producers it "learns" from. We hope these new skills are based on Google's own hard work and not that of others.
— Jason Clampet
Google Maps is getting a face-lift, and the new features could tread further into the local-listing business of rivals such as Yelp Inc.
Alphabet Inc.’s Google unveiled new services for its mapping software that will give more direct access to retail businesses and personalized features. Two new additions save a user’s preferences and rankings for stores, restaurants and other buildings. “Now you can confidently pick the places that are best for you,” Google’s Jen Fitzpatrick, who leads Maps, said onstage Tuesday at the company’s I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California.
Google has long held a massive technical lead over peers with its digital maps, but has been reluctant to lean on it for revenue from advertising or local listings.
At I/O, the internet search giant also introduced something called Visual Positioning System, a new way for people to find their own locations on Google Maps using their cameras and Google’s advanced computer-vision technology.
The feature tackles a common problem when using Google Maps for walking directions: It’s not always clear which way to walk initially. Now users will be able to raise their phones and see an image of the street with a large arrow pointing the correct way.
©2018 Bloomberg L.P.
This article was written by Mark Bergen from Bloomberg and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
