Google Maps is testing a new generative AI-powered feature that aims to help users discover new places and activities. The feature uses large language models (LLM) to analyze more than 250 million locations and contributions from over 300 million Local Guides. It offers personalized recommendations based on the user’s search query, using information from nearby businesses, along with photos, reviews, and ratings. The AI-powered feature will organize search results into different categories and provide photo carousels and summaries of reviews to help users determine if a place is worth visiting. Users can also ask follow-up questions to get further suggestions or add a place to a list or share with friends. The new functionality is initially available to a handful of Local Guides in the United States but may expand to other countries in the future. Google says this is just the beginning of integrating generative AI into Maps and more AI-powered features may be introduced in the future.