"Google Maps Empowered by Generative AI for Enhanced Search and Discovery"

Google is introducing generative AI to Google Maps, allowing users to ask for recommendations using large language models to analyze information about over 250 million places. The feature will first be available in the US and will provide personalized suggestions for activities like thrifting based on user queries. Initially, only the Local Guides community will have access to this feature, with plans to open it up to other users later. This move reflects Google's efforts to transform Maps into a search tool for discovering new places, leveraging generative AI to enhance the user experience.