Google is rolling out a new feature that will make it easier for users to contribute local knowledge to Maps, the company announced Tuesday. Most notably, Gemini can now create captions when users are about to share photos and videos about locations.
Users select the photo they want to share, and Gemini analyzes the image and creates a caption. Users can choose to edit or delete the caption. The company says the new tool is designed to give users a head start on captions when sharing content. Google says caption suggestions are currently available in English on iOS in the U.S. and will expand globally and to Android in the coming months.
The company also makes it easy to find suitable images to share with the community. When users turn on Google Maps media access in their phone settings, photos and videos from recent experiences will appear directly in the (Posts) tab. From there, you can tap on a photo to post it.
“The photos and videos you post help people better understand your location, including its overall atmosphere and updated menu,” Google explained in a blog post. “We’re now making it easier to find the right images to share.”
Photo and video recommendations are now available globally on iOS and Android.
Additionally, Google is making it easier for users to track the impact of their posts by showing the total points earned in the Posts tab. Additionally, your “Local Guide” level will be highlighted on your profile page. For context, Local Guides earn points by adding photos, writing reviews, answering questions, and checking facts to improve Google Maps.
The company says it has updated its achievement badges to make it easier to see if someone is an “expert fact-checker,” “seasoned photographer,” or “developing novice.” Additionally, Google is making it easier to find high-level contributors with a new golden profile.
Google says these new features are designed to support its community of more than 500 million contributors who share photos, reviews, and videos to help others decide what to do and where to go. Given that Maps relies primarily on contributors to keep its information up to date, it makes sense for the company to streamline the process for these contributions.
