Google Maps on iPhones Now Allows Scanning and Saving Locations from Screenshots: Here’s What You Need to Know

Shape1 Shape2
Google Maps on iPhones Now Allows Scanning and Saving Locations from Screenshots: Here’s What You Need to Know



Google maps 2

HIGHLIGHTS

Gemini AI scans screenshots from social media or blogs to identify locations and save them in Google Maps.

Users can create private travel lists under the ‘You’ tab in the app.

It is currently rolling out to iPhone users in the US.

In a significant development for avid travelers, Google recently unveiled a new feature incorporated within Google Maps, designed specifically for iPhone users in the United States. This feature, which leverages the power of Gemini AI, allows for the automatic recognition of locations from screenshots taken from social media posts or travel blogs. By doing so, it facilitates the seamless addition of these identified locations to a designated private list within the app, enhancing the planning process for users.

The addition of this feature, first announced in March, promises to revolutionize how individuals prepare for their travels. According to Google, it aims to make trip planning smoother by automating the tracking of potentially interesting destinations—eliminating the hassle of manual note-taking which can often be time-consuming and prone to error. As of now, this rollout is happening progressively, ensuring that all iPhone users in the US can benefit from this innovative tool. Below are the key aspects of this new functionality.

Introducing the Google Maps Screenshot Recognition Feature

Google has shared via a recent blog post that their new feature will utilize Gemini technology to scrupulously scan locations found within screenshots. This cutting-edge capability aims to pull up not just the location but also a comprehensive map listing along with directions to that spot. Users can efficiently save these highlights in a newly developed private list under the ‘You’ tab in the Google Maps application, allowing for a personalized travel experience.

Moreover, this updated version of the app introduces an auto-scan capability that detects new screenshots containing location information. Once identified, these locations are presented in a convenient carousel format, making access easier for users. To harness this feature, users must grant permission for Google Maps to access their photo library or they can opt to manually select specific images they wish to scan. It is important to note that this feature is turned off by default; thus, users will need to enable gallery access for full functionality.

Currently, this remarkable feature is exclusively available to iOS users in the United States. As Google continues to enhance its offerings, there may be plans to expand this functionality to other platforms in the future, but for now, the focus is squarely on iPhone users.

Enabling the Google Maps Screenshot Recognition Feature

For those eager to tap into this new Google Maps feature, enabling it is quite straightforward. Users must navigate to the ‘You’ tab within the Google Maps app and click on the new Screenshots list option. Upon doing so, they will be prompted to grant access to their Photos app. Once permission is granted, Google Maps will commence scanning the uploaded screenshots for any recognizable locations. When specific locations are identified, a notification will pop up, inviting users to review and subsequently save these locations in their personalized list.

This feature represents an exciting step forward for Google Maps, effectively allowing users to curate their travel preferences while cutting down on the clutter often associated with trip planning. As the rollout continues, it is worth keeping an eye on the app for more updates and improvements that could further streamline the travel preparation experience.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *