Google Maps AR mode previewed, now in testing with small group of users

By Aaron Mamiit February 10, 2019

Google Maps’ new augmented reality mode, previewed by The Wall Street Journal, will soon be available to the public, but for now, it is being tested by a small group of users.

The Google Maps AR mode was first showcased in last year’s Google I/O as the app’s upcoming visual positioning feature. Instead of users having to orient themselves through the little blue dot on the app, the feature will use the smartphone’s camera to help users determine exactly where they are. In the future, users would be able to point their camera at a street or building, and the app will not only show the details of the location, but also where to go to reach the user’s destination.

That future, apparently, is drawing near. Augmented reality on Google Maps was previewed by The Wall Street Journal’s David Pierce, who said that the feature is easily accessed by opening the app and hitting the Star AR button. Upon doing so, the system will first ask for the phone to be moved around to determine the user’s exact location. It will then provide directions to the entered destination, in the form of on-screen arrows supported by the familiar Google Maps interface.

Google apparently does not want users to rely too much on AR mode, though. If activated for too long, Google Maps will first ask users to lower the device, and then darken the screen if users resist. In addition to conserving battery power and data, limiting the usage time of the feature prevents safety concerns such as users wandering onto busy streets while holding up their smartphones.

To fully utilize the Google Maps AR mode, a wearable device such as Google Glass will be required. However, in the absence of such, the purpose of the feature would be to help users gather their bearings, such as when they find themselves in a complex intersection.

Google Maps AR mode has started testing with Local Guides, which is a small group of users that serve as community reviewers. Google has not identified a public release date for the feature, but it should be launching soon to join the bevy of updates that have been recently added to the app, including speed limits for drivers, direct messages to businesses, and hashtag support for reviews.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…

Mobile

Google Play Store now offers third-party app payments, but only for some users

The Google Play store icon on an Android phone.

Google will now open up its Play Store as a result of the European Union's Digital Markets Act, the company announced today. Now, any developers distributing apps or games in Europe (the European Economic Area, to be precise) will be able to sidestep the Google Play billing system with no penalty. The change comes after a similar push in South Korea.

"As of today, Google will not remove or reject updates of non-gaming apps from participating developers for offering alternative billing systems for EEA users. Google Play’s billing system will continue to be required for apps and games distributed via Play to users outside the EEA and for games distributed to users within the EEA. We expect to expand billing alternatives to developers of gaming apps for their users in the EEA, in advance of the DMA's effective date," Google's Estelle Werth, director of EU Government Affairs and Public Policy, said in a blog post.

Mobile

Google’s life-changing AR smart glasses demo gave me shivers

Google's AR smartglasses translation feature demonstrated.

When Viva and Yoshiko, one an English speaker and the other a Mandarin Chinese speaker, tried Google’s prototype smart glasses during a sneak peek at Google I/O 2022, I got shivers down my spine. The expressions on their faces, the sudden ability to meaningfully communicate with someone who before didn’t fully understand what was being said moved me a great deal. It’s an example of the type of technology that I truly love: One that can change lives.
'Subtitles for the world'
You’d be forgiven if you’d missed this special moment during Google I/O, as it came right at the end of the marathon event, and lasted for just a few minutes. The actual smart glasses were not named, only shown in a demonstration video, and really only revealed as a concept. Google didn’t even show us the interface itself or hint that the smart glasses will ever be released as an actual product.

Breaking down language barriers with augmented reality | Google

Mobile

How to use Google Maps

Google Assistant on Google Maps

Google Maps has long served as the go-to navigation tool for millions of phones, tablets, cars, and smart wearables. While everyone is probably familiar with using Google Maps to get from point A to point B, there are a multitude of multitool-like extras hiding under the hood that are worth highlighting. Over the years, Google has added features that allow you to save your favorite places, share your location with friends, and get personalized recommendations. Here is how to use Google Maps more useful but lesser-known features, like incognito mode, AR live view, sharing your location in real-time, and even finding the nearest COVID vaccination and testing site.
How to play your tunes

With all the understandable focus on driving directions and the depth of Google Maps itself, it's easy to forget Google Maps also features music controls for popular music services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music (Android only). Here's how to get the party started.