Google Maps gets Immersive View, Live View features

Google Maps intros ‘Immersive View’ augmented reality, Live View features

Google on Wednesday’s I/O event launched the newest feature of Google Maps’ the ‘Immersive View’ whereas users may have a bird’s eye view on selected areas or locations.

Google Maps overlays nearby traffic information and live busyness to output a quasi-augmented reality on parks, street corners, or beach spots users may look at.

Google says that with Immersive View, users will “be able to experience what a neighborhood, landmark, restaurant or popular venue is like — and even feel like you’re right there before you ever set foot inside.”

Immersive View contains computer-generated imagery and a combination of Google’s satellite captures plus its StreetView.

When navigating the said mode, the user is immersed into a video-game looking experience on medium graphics that is set in a precisely scaled reality.

Immersive View will work on any device and it will start rolling out in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo with more cities to add later this year.

Furthermore, third-party developers may now tap into the Live View AR API of Google Maps which can be helpful when navigating tricky indoor areas like airports, malls, and train stations.

Essentially, third-party devs are given precise location tracking in the real world, overlayed with a layer of artificial reality. Thus, Maps may help users find a parking space for their bikes, help users navigate in large stadiums, or have the ability to play AR games.

Source: Google