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Google has introduced a range of new features, including some powered by artificial intelligence, across its Search, Maps, and Gemini platforms, all designed to assist users in planning their summer vacations. These features come at a time when users are increasingly relying on tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for trip planning assistance.

The AI Overviews feature in Google Search, which provides a concise summary of information at the top of search results, can now help users generate trip ideas for specific regions or countries. For instance, searching for “create an itinerary for Costa Rica focusing on nature” will yield relevant results.

Upon searching, users can browse through photos and reviews and view locations on an expandable map. When ready, they can save their itinerary by tapping “Export” to share recommendations via Google Docs or Gmail, or save them as a custom list in Google Maps.

Image Credits:Google

This new feature is currently available for English language queries in the U.S. on both mobile and desktop devices.

Furthermore, Google is making its Gemini’s Gems feature available to all users at no cost. A Gem allows users to create custom AI experts for any task within Gemini, enabling users to set up a trip planner that suggests destinations and packing lists.

In addition to these updates, Google is expanding its price tracking feature to hotels. While users have been able to receive alerts for flight price drops, they can now track hotel prices for specific dates and destinations. The feature allows users to filter their hotel search by criteria such as star ratings or beach access and will send an email alert if prices decrease.

The hotel price tracking feature is launching globally this week on mobile and desktop browsers.

Image Credits:Google

Google Maps is also introducing a feature that allows users to convert their screenshots into actual vacation plans. Often, when planning a trip, users take screenshots of places they want to visit, only to forget about them in their camera roll.

Now, by granting Maps access to their photos, the app can automatically identify locations mentioned in the screenshots. Users can then review and save these locations to a list, which will be visible on the map, providing a clear overview of their plans.

This feature is rolling out this week in the U.S. for English language users on iOS, with an Android launch to follow soon.


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