AR-based search with Live View for Google Maps coming soon

Google announced an AR-based Live View search for Maps back in September and the company is now ready to move forward with the update. The new functionality, however, will be made available in select cities starting with Los Angeles, London, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Tokyo.

The feature works just like the current Live View that helps you navigate using the phone's camera in real-time. The Live View mode will overlay arrows on top of your surroundings as well as point to landmarks or other places you are looking for.

Using billions of Street View images, AI and AR, the new Live View search option gives you a much better grasp of your surroundings. It displays shops, restaurants, banks, ATMs, etc., even if they are not in sight and are around the corner, for example. All you need to do is enable the camera on your phone in Maps and point in the direction you need.

The labels popping up on these facilities now have useful information such as busy hours, price range, rating and, of course, whether it's open or not.

A new EV charging station option is also coming allowing you to even search for compatible stations and fast charging spots above 50 kW.

Last but not least, Google is rolling out wheelchair-accessible search globally as it was initially available only in Australia, Japan, the UK and the US.

All new features will be available starting next week to both, Android and iOS users.

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