The Google Maps code indicates that a chatbot is being tested in the maps application. Enough to surf conversational agents like ChatGPT and highlight community recommendations.
Google Maps
With the popularization of generative AI, chatting with a computer is becoming more common. Chatbots are proliferating and can now be found in many programs. Google Maps could soon be in charge.
“You’re talking to a chatbot”
The information comes from the AndroidAuthority website, which found some interesting elements by looking into the source code of the Google Maps application in beta version 11.105 for Android. Certain character strings – not yet used – are a clear reminder of the integration of this chatbot. There are sentences like “Are you talking to a chatbot” or “Are you ending the conversation?”.
According to the phrase “Thank you for your contribution!” “It will be possible to improve this functionality, either by reporting bugs or evaluating the relevance of answers, or by providing information about a location. In addition, all conversations saved.
What can a chatbot on a map be used for?
At the moment, this is the only information we have about this feature. However, we can easily imagine many uses associated with a conversational agent in Google Maps.
First of all, there is the navigation. We know that Google has a large amount of information, whether fixed or real-time. So we could ask the chatbot how best to drive from point A to point B in order to use the least amount of gas or electricity.
Then there are the recommendations. Because it is possible to “contribute” and “submit your location,” you can consider location suggestions based on certain criteria. For example, we dream of asking the application which is the best restaurant in the area that offers vegetarian dishes for less than 15 euros, or the bars with the best homemade iced teas in the area.
AndroidAuthority also mentions the possibility of a chatbot, which allows companies to more easily answer users’ frequently asked questions.
However, this all remains speculation. We’ll have to wait for Google to say more about this feature, assuming it’s implemented.