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We discovered the Live View feature a few months ago, when Google started testing it on some Pixel and also on users who have level 5 from Local Guides. However, it has not been until today that Google has announced its launch for many more users. Live View uses your phone's camera, via Google Maps, to show you augmented reality directions that are overlaid on all Google Street View images.
That is, it allows you to see real-time marks on the map when you point your phone's camera, something really useful to navigate the city and locate businesses or streets. Google ensures that the Google Maps Live View function will soon be available to all users, although its rollout will be gradual.
Who can use Google Maps Live View?
All users with a phone that supports:
- ARKit for iPhone.
- ARCore in the case of Android.
As we can see in TechCruch, this Live View function would only be available in those places where Street View is available. If the street view is not available in any country, this new function cannot be used.
How to use Google Maps Live View?
To use Live View, all you have to do is click on “Start AR” in Google Maps and point your mobile camera at the terrain. You will see on the screen the real world as if you were in a video game with virtual elements using AR: arrows and signs on the environment as you can see in this GIF.
Google Maps will use your GPS to extract your coordinates and will mix the data from your camera with the images from Street View, to know towards where are you aiming In order to achieve this, Google has had to work very hard on the use of algorithms with Artificial Intelligence that can identify the images and mix them with those that your phone is providing in real time. Using these advanced algorithms, Google is able to determine the environment you are in and show you these items.
The only problem with using Live View in Google Maps is that it uses a lot of battery and mobile data, because all the functions that involve the RA do.On the one hand, the mobile has to turn on the screen, use the camera and all its sensors in real time and, in turn, it is necessary to send this data to Google's servers so that the firm can recognize the environment, which will increase spending. of mobile data. The feature is gradually reaching users, although you need the Google Maps beta for Android and iOS if you want to try it out.
