Google launches new search and shopping features as well as maps features
Google announced an array of new search features for Google Search, Google Lens and Shopping. These search features are all designed to bring search to more people in more useful ways. These enhancements cross over Multisearch and Google Leons, Google Shopping, Google Maps, and Google Shopping.
These were some of the announcements made at the Search on event which took place a few months back.
Multisearch allows you to find food
Do you see a dish that you like and you are hungry for? Google Lens allows you to take a picture of the dish, then add “near me”, in Google Multisearch, to have Google show restaurants that offer that particular dish.
“This new method of searching will help to me nd local business in my community, so that I can more easily support nearby shops during the holidays,” Cindy Huynh (Product Manager, Google Lens).
This feature will be available in English today, in the U.S. mobile results.
Here’s a GIF showing that in action.
Look for particular dishes
You can search by photo to find dishes near you. Or, you can type in your search term to find specific dishes. Google will display nearby restaurants for this dish, and Google will give you additional information such as pricing, ingredients, and additional menu information.
This feature will also be available in English on U.S. mobile devices, and in the Google App on Android and iOS.
Here’s what it looks like
Google Lens translate getting an upgrade
Google has released a major update to its Google Lens augmented-related translation capabilities. This update allows searchers to translate text from more complicated backgrounds. Google will not cover up the original text. Instead, it will create a background using AI to erase the text. Then, Google will overlay the translated text over the image.
Google uses generative adversarial network, also known by GAN models, in order to better present the translated text. This is the same technology Google uses on its Pixel devices as the “Magix Eraser” feature for photos.
This is an example of how Google Lens overlays the translation to make it easier for searchers to understand:
This will be launched later in the year, before 2022 ends.
Google Shopping for AR Shoes
Google has also launched shopping features that allow you to see shoes in AR and augmented reality over your own shoes. Google’s new AR shopping experience for sneakers allows you to zoom, spin and view shoes in your own space. This feature will be available across brands like Saucony, VANS, and Merrell.
Google stated that there are now US starts, and they will be available immediately.
This is an example of how it looks:
AR beauty models get new shopping models
Google also added new augmented reality search options that allow you to test product on models with different features and skin tones. Google has added 150 models to its photo library that represent a variety of skin tones and skin types.
This is a feature that we covered back, but it’s now live in the US.
Google Maps live view search
You can now search for and explore your neighborhood with augmented reality by using the Google App. You can now open the Google Maps app and click on the camera icon to view overlays of the area right in front of you.
Google has been demoing the feature for some time, but this feature will begin rolling out next week in London, Los Angeles and New York.
This is an example of how it looks:
Google Maps now offers wheelchair accessibility and EV charging filters
Google Maps now allows you to search for stations that have fast-charging plugs or stations that are compatible with your EV. Google might even display their availability. This will show CSS and CHAdeMo chargers that are 350kW or 50Kw. It will be accessible globally on Android as well as iOS, wherever EV charging stations exist.
Plus, Google added filtering Google Maps for if a place has a wheelchair-accessible entrance thanks to the wheelchair icon on Google Maps. This feature will be available worldwide on Android and iOS, wherever EV charging stations exist.
We care.
You or your customers can use any of these features if they are involved in these types of businesses. This will increase your chances of getting more visibility from Google Search. These features are fun and useful, but many of them are also cool for searchers.
The post Google launches new search and shopping features was first published on Search Engine Land.