Maps: Google launches major visual update with immersive navigation

Google appears to be starting to distribute the new immersive navigation for Google Maps. The revised 3D view shows buildings and the surrounding area spatially to make orientation easier. When it will be German users’ turn remains to be seen.

Rollout of the new 3D map view

Google has apparently started distributing the so-called “Immersive Navigation” for Google Maps on Android Auto in the USA, which the company had already announced in March. The new form of display converts the previously flat map view into a detailed 3D environment. Drivers receive a spatial representation of buildings, bridges and even individual trees while driving. The aim of the adaptation is to make visual orientation in road traffic easier. The three-dimensional view uses the extensive data sets from Google Street View and satellite images that the company has collected over many years. A practical detail of the new interface is the dynamic transparency. As soon as tall buildings could obscure the view of the actual route or important intersections, the corresponding object is displayed semi-transparently. This prevents drivers from becoming disoriented in confusing places.

Server-side activation

As Android Police reported, the new function is probably not necessarily tied to the recently released update to Android Auto version 17.3. Rather, Google carries out the activation separately and on the server side. Users cannot force the new look by manually installing the latest Google Maps or Android Auto version. Currently, delivery is probably limited to users in the United States. The feature is available there for both smartphones and systems such as Apple CarPlay and vehicles with integrated Google services. There is currently no information about whether and when the expanded display will be activated for German users. As usual, European users will probably have to wait a little longer.

Google traditionally rolls out updates in waves. The procedure helps to identify possible errors at an early stage and to avoid server overloads caused by too many simultaneous requests.

Major Android Auto update

Immersive navigation is part of a larger strategy by Google to make digital maps more realistic through artificial intelligence. The company originally began using the “Immersive View” function to show famous sights and metropolises in a photorealistic representation. The Maps navigation that is now being rolled out is based on these technical foundations and brings the technology directly into real road traffic.

There will also be a major update for Android Auto. The app will have a new layout, fresh navigation elements and a number of smart AI functions. Media apps that can be used to stream videos while parked should also find their way into users’ vehicles. As with Immersive Navigation in Google Maps, there is no specific date for this update yet.