Seven local search-related enhancements and updates were unveiled by Google during this year’s Search On conference.
These changes will make Google Search a far more useful tool for discovering new places to eat, shop, and hang out in a given area.
Here are more details on all seven updates.
Restaurant search by dish
In an effort to improve its restaurant search features, Google is adding the ability to locate establishments in the area that provide a particular cuisine.
If you type in “hawaiian pizza near me,” for example, Google’s revamped search interface will provide a list of local eateries that serve the requested dish.
There are even further filters available, such as those for vegetarian options, spicy options, and more.
Easily discover restaurant specialties
In most cases, a community will come to know a local restaurant for a particular specialty that it offers.
Due to little information provided by star ratings, determining the quality of a Google search result can be challenging.
It won’t be long until Google provides previews and ratings to assist users in better understanding what sets individual eateries apart.
Google utilizes machine learning to sift through user reviews and photos to determine what distinguishes a given location from all other ones.
Better digital menu support
Google’s digital menus are growing in scope and depth, becoming more visually appealing and regularly updated.
Google outlines in a blog post how it may expand its digital menu offerings without requiring restaurant owners to put in any extra time or effort.
The menus from restaurants that adhere to open standards for data sharing are combined with information contributed by customers and shop owners. Google’s Multitask Unified Model and other cutting-edge methods of image and language interpretation allow it to accomplish this.
According to Google, it will highlight the most sought-after cuisines and highlight vegetarian and vegan options for those who prefer those diets.
Google Maps Live View enhancements
Google is improving its Live View function, which was first released three years ago and allows users to see directions on their phone screens while looking through the camera viewfinder.
It will soon be possible to not only find your way around, but also to look for specific things in the immediate area.
London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, and Tokyo will be the first to get Search with Live View in the coming months.
Landmark Aerial Views
Starting September 28th, Google offers over 250 photorealistic aerial images of famous places from across the world.
While Google boasts that its aerial images “span everything from the Tokyo Tower to the Acropolis,” it does not provide a complete list of the locations that are included.
Immersive View
With immersive view, you can go beyond the traditional street view and really step inside of businesses and other establishments.
On top of that, you can see the weather and crowd levels at a certain location and time using immersive view.
Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo will soon have access to Immersive View on Android and iOS.
Neighborhood vibe check
Google Maps now includes a “neighborhood vibe” tool to help you get a sense for an area before you go there.
Google will feature the latest and greatest, as well as hidden gems in your area, for you to discover.
As you explore the area, relevant photographs and information contributed by the Google Maps community will surface on the map to help you along the way.
Google’s neighborhood vibe feature will soon be available on iOS and Android around the world, thanks to a mix of artificial intelligence and user input.
