The AR mode in Google Maps is now much better, while Apple Maps is still frozen in place.

Augmented reality promises to be a key development for Apple a few years ago. At least this was suggested by Tim Cook and his team, who were quite active in promoting the technology through speeches. Even so, Apple has to admit that Google has gone a lot further in the development of this technology, though.

Last year, Google introduced an enhanced AR mode for the mobile version of Google Maps. After many additions, the Google navigation map can now plot the route visually and help users follow directions by opening the camera on the smartphone to record their surroundings as well as give instructions based on things. fact ...

In addition, the AR mode has received support for virtual landmarks, allowing users to understand the objects that surround themselves.

How does Google recognize objects?

AR mode not only recognizes any but only recognizes fixed obstacles such as walls, tall buildings or iconic landmarks. The uniqueness of this technology lies in the fact that the user can point the camera towards the horizon, and if the camera sees a distant object that they can see, the AI ​​will certainly recognize the subject as well and mark it with a virtual pointer with the name and address given to it. The only regret is that while this regime only works in 25 countries around the world, Vietnam is not among them.

The AR mode in Google Maps allows you to recognize objects as fixed obstacles even from a distance

With the help of landmarks in augmented reality, it also becomes more convenient to navigate in dense urban areas in megacities. As an example of using the new AR mode function, Google cited its own algorithm for locating the Empire State Building in New York.

Normally, with a bottom-up view, it would be difficult for passers-by to distinguish one skyscraper from another, otherwise try to raise their head and distinguish the characteristic apex of each building. Using Google Maps, based on information about the user's position, direction of movement, and objects that the camera can see, it can easily understand what kind of skyscraper it is without raising your head. go to heaven like people used to

Find people using Google Maps

In the near future, Google plans to further expand the AR mode's capabilities in Google Maps, adding the ability to find friends who have shared their locations.

When you receive a point on the map from a loved one, you can share your location with that person. If Live View is turned on, you can see in real time the distance between you and the direction you need to follow to get to that point. This feature will be very practical and worth the wait.

Google has taught Google Maps to track people, marked with AR technology

This is an innovation that is even more interesting than one already in Google Maps. The fact is that many users who have their loved one share their location don't know where they are and in which direction they are moving, since they cannot figure out the direction of the map and the legend.

With the help of augmented reality, users simply fire up the camera and see if a loved one changes direction and how close they are in real time.