Google Maps to get augmented reality, 'VPS' & other improvements
Google on Tuesday teased upcoming changes to Google Maps, among them augmented reality support and a concept called "VPS," short for "visual positioning system."
With AR on, a future version of the Maps app will merge its traditional interface with a live camera view. When doing navigation, superimposed arrows will appear at each turn, making it harder to misinterpret directions. The company is even experimenting with inserting animated characters such as a fox, which would remove any doubt and make the app more entertaining.
AR technology may also make its way into the rest of the app, for example popping up an information card when looking at a storefront.
VPS is a related feature, combining the live camera view with Google's data trove to get a better sense of position than possible with just GPS. The technology could be especially useful in dense urban areas where GPS is often blocked by skyscrapers.
A less radical additional in the works is a "For You" tab that will show nearby points of interest, with a "Your Match" feature attempting to custom-tailor recommendations. One intended use of this is sharing lists with friends instead of having to rattle off names from memory.
Google VP Aparna Chennapragada didn't say when these features might come to Maps, or if they'll be available on iOS as well as Android.
Apple has expressed its own deep interest in AR, engineering newer iPhone camers with it in mind, and providing ARKit to developers wanting to build apps. The company is rumored to be working on a standalone headset with features like 8K eyepieces and its own operating system, currently dubbed "rOS."
With AR on, a future version of the Maps app will merge its traditional interface with a live camera view. When doing navigation, superimposed arrows will appear at each turn, making it harder to misinterpret directions. The company is even experimenting with inserting animated characters such as a fox, which would remove any doubt and make the app more entertaining.
AR technology may also make its way into the rest of the app, for example popping up an information card when looking at a storefront.
VPS is a related feature, combining the live camera view with Google's data trove to get a better sense of position than possible with just GPS. The technology could be especially useful in dense urban areas where GPS is often blocked by skyscrapers.
A less radical additional in the works is a "For You" tab that will show nearby points of interest, with a "Your Match" feature attempting to custom-tailor recommendations. One intended use of this is sharing lists with friends instead of having to rattle off names from memory.
Google VP Aparna Chennapragada didn't say when these features might come to Maps, or if they'll be available on iOS as well as Android.
Apple has expressed its own deep interest in AR, engineering newer iPhone camers with it in mind, and providing ARKit to developers wanting to build apps. The company is rumored to be working on a standalone headset with features like 8K eyepieces and its own operating system, currently dubbed "rOS."
Comments
All fluff and no real use aside from some niche tools.
Take a look at that first image above and consider how you would have to hold your phone while walking or driving to make the AR pictured work.
Absolutely NO ONE will ever hold their phones that way.
While we were there we stopped in at an Apple Store and the Specialist we worked with mentioned to try not having our phones out while on the sidewalk as it wasn’t uncommon for a theif to run by and grab someone’s phone and just keep running. I don’t know how true that was but it seemed possible and all the more reason to use our watches for directions rather than our phones.
Maybe we’re just too paranoid but I agree, I probably wouldn’t be using that feature very often while walking. Perhaps it would be handy mounted to the dashboard in my car but it would have to be high enough for the camera to display a view unobstructed by the interior to really be useful.
And by “Information Card,” they mean “Advertisement,” probably for those nearby competing stores who pay the most.
”Yup!”
”Here is a cute fox inserted overlayed on top of what you are seeing. The very interesting, highly relevant ads will follow! Would you like to see a Pokémon?”
I picture a thief running, grabbing the phone from a tourist and then continuing to run.
As he runs, he realises it's an Android phone so he runs around the block and throws the phone back at the tourist.
Something that TS mentioned a while back was having this as a smart windshield on a car.
I think this is the beginning.
Your GPS screen should show the absolute bare minimum of information. It shouldn’t be looking to keep your eyes off the road by showing you a much smaller and less detailed view of what’s in front of you.
What they want want to do is project the arrows into the windscreen.
My dashboard phone holder holds my phone in that exact way.