How to Use Google Maps' ‘Indoor AR’ Directions - Lifehacker

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Illustration for article titled How to Use Google Maps' ‘Indoor AR’ Directions — Photo: BigTunaOnline (Shutterstock)

Google recently showed off a slate of new Google Maps features Android and iOS users are getting this year. The first is indoor AR directions for Map’s Live View mode, which is rolling out now in select U.S. cities.

Google says Live View’s AI technology is now advanced enough to “understand the precise altitude and placement of objects inside a building.” Basically, the app can tell where walls, stairs, doors, and other objects are in an indoor space, allowing you to navigate to your destination even if it’s on a different floor or in a separate room.

Live View will provide indoor AR directions in select transit stations, airports, malls, and more. However, at launch, the feature only works for a few shopping malls in the following cities:

Chicago
Long Island
Los Angeles
Newark
San Francisco
San Jose
Seattle

Malls, airports, and transit centers in Tokyo and Zurich will be added in coming months. Google plans to support even more locations in the future, but has not provided specific cities or a release schedule.

Gif: Google

For now, if you find yourself in one of the few locations that supports the feature, pull up Google Maps and tap the “Live View” icon to start using the indoor AR directions, or look up directions to your destination and select “Start AR.” The app will guide you to your target using arrows and waypoint markers.

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Google also announced several other Google Maps features set to roll out in the coming months:

New weather and air quality layers for the map screen, launching in Australia, India, and the U.S. over the coming months.
Fuel-efficient driving route optimization. Launches in the U.S. this year, and planned for a global release later.
Alerts when you’re driving through low-emission zones. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK will get the feature first in June, followed by more countries later.
A revamped transportation selection in the directions menu, planned for global release this year.
A grocery pickup tool for select stores. The initial pilot takes place this summer in Portland, Oregon, and will include select Fred Meyer stores.

You can read more about indoor Live View directions and all the other newly announced features in Google’s blog post.

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