Google Maps now lets you report and get alerts for fog and flooding on roads

Google for India event: The company has announced that Google Maps will now be able to give real-time weather updates in the app. Here is everything to know.

Google today hosted its annual "Google for India" event, marking its 10th edition with a strong focus on AI. The company has announced significant updates aimed at improving its services in the Indian market. Notable highlights include Gemini Live gaining support for Hindi, the introduction of gold loans on Google Pay, and a new video recognition feature for Google Lens. Additionally, Google Maps is also set to receive several updates. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments.

In India, the company has announced that Google Maps will now be able to give real-time weather updates in the app. In simpler terms, users will be able to report and get alerts on fog as well as flooding on the roads. This would be a great addition because people who travel during rainy season will be able to avoid potholes and flooded areas to reach their destination on time. The data will be based on the user feedback that they will provide to the Google Maps app, according to the company.

In addition to this, Google Maps is also getting AI-summarised reviews feature. The company has confirmed that users will now get a quick summary of restaurants, hotels, and other things to get a good idea of them without wasting much of their time.

"We’ve been using AI to strengthen scam mitigation measures. Since last year we’ve prevented scams of over Rs 13,000 crore and issued 40 million warnings to safeguard Indian users. On Google Maps, AI-powered solutions helped us remove 170 million policy violating reviews," Snigdha Bhardwaj, director, search and generative AI trust strategy, Google said.

Besides, Google Maps recently received six features that were aimed at improving navigation and travel experiences. An AI-driven routing feature now helps drivers, particularly four-wheelers, avoid narrow roads. Additionally, users in 40 towns across India will benefit from flyover callouts, which highlight flyovers along suggested routes, making navigation smoother. With the rise of electric vehicles, Google Maps now also provides essential information about nearby EV charging stations.

Public transport options have been improved too, as the platform now includes metro ticket booking directly within the app, streamlining the commuting process for urban dwellers. Furthermore, curated recommendations from local experts offer users better suggestions for dining and entertainment.

Lastly, there is also a new "Lists to Explore" feature which empowers users to find and explore new places, whether they are on a weekend getaway or simply looking to discover hidden gems in their city.