Google Maps can now write captions for your photos using AI
Google is rolling out new features to make it easier for users to contribute local knowledge to Maps, the company announced on Tuesday. Most notably, Gemini can now create captions when users are looking to share a photo or video about a place.
Once users select photos that they want to share, Gemini will analyze the images to create captions. Users can then choose to edit or remove the caption. The company says the new tool is designed to give users a head start on captions when sharing content. Caption suggestions are available now in English on iOS in the U.S. and will expand globally and to Android in the coming months, Google says.
The company is also making it easier to find the right image for sharing with the community. If users turn on media access for Google Maps in their phone’s settings, they will see photos and videos from their recent experiences directly in the “Contribute” tab. From there, they can tap on a photo and post it.
“Photos and videos you post help people better understand a place, like the overall vibe or the newest menu,” Google explained in a blog post. “Now, we’re making it easier to find the right image for sharing.”
Photo and video recommendations are now available globally on iOS and Android.
In addition, Google is making it easier for users to track the impact of their contributions, as they will now see total points earned displayed in the “Contribute” tab. Additionally, “Local Guide” levels will be highlighted on profile pages. 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 so it’s easier to see if someone is an “expert fact-finder,” “a master photographer,” or “a rising novice.” Plus, Google is making it easier to spot high-level contributors with new gold-colored profiles.
Google says these new features are designed to support its community of over 500 million contributors, who share photos, reviews, and videos to help others decide what to do and where to go. Given that Maps largely relies on contributors to keep information fresh and updated, it makes sense for the company to streamline the process of these contributions.
The new Alexa.com website includes a sidebar for quick access to frequently used features such as shopping lists, thermostat controls, and calendar reminders. Amazon is also encouraging users to share documents, emails, and calendar access with Alexa+, allowing the assistant to act as a central hub for family schedules, school holidays, medical appointments, and other important household information. While Amazon lacks its own productivity suite like Google, it is relying on file uploads and forwarded data to power this feature.
According to Amazon, Alexa+ usage is growing rapidly. Users are having more conversations, shopping more frequently, and relying more on Alexa+ for recipes and smart home control. Although some users have reported errors and misfires, Amazon says very few people opt out after trying the service. With Alexa.com now rolling out to Early Access users, Amazon is positioning Alexa+ as a powerful, everyday AI assistant designed to manage both digital tasks and real life at home.