Google Maps is one of the quintessential Google apps that almost all of us actively use. I know I do every time I have to head out somewhere, and it is one of the best apps in general. The app normally gets updated, and several features are added to improve the user experience. Now, some lines of code discovered within the app suggest that Google could be bringing a chatbot to the app.

Google Maps' chatbot could be a very useful feature or something that no one uses

Google Maps v11.105 beta includes strings of code that suggest that there might be a chatbot coming to the app. Sadly, the strings of code do not reveal anything else, but you can have a look at them below:

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_EARLY_EXIT_DIALOG_CANCEL_BUTTON">Cancel</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_EARLY_EXIT_DIALOG_CONFIRM_BUTTON">End</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_EARLY_EXIT_DIALOG_TEXT">Your conversation will be sent as a partial submission.</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_END_CONVO_TITLE">End conversation?</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_ERROR_TIMEOUT_TEXT">Server timeout. Please try again.</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_INFO_BANNER_TEXT">"You're talking with a chatbot. By continuing to chat, you acknowledge and agree that the conversation will be saved according to our privacy policy."</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_MAP_UPDATED_TEXT">Map location submitted.</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_POLICY_LINK_TEXT">See policy</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_RETRY_LABEL">Retry</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_SEND_BUTTON_ACCESSIBILITY_DESCRIPTION">Send</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_TEXT_FIELD_INTIAL_TEXT">Type a message</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_THANK_YOU_SNACKBAR_TEXT">Thank you for your contribution!</string>

<string name="CONVO_CONTRIBS_UNKNOWN_ERROR_TEXT">Something went wrong. Please try again.</string>

Looking at these strings, it is safe to say that the convo_contribs feature is related to the chatbot. But it is also worth noting that there is no indication or mention of AI, so we cannot be sure if this chatbot will be based on generative AI.

Sadly, at the time of writing, there is not much we can speculate, even after looking at the strings of code. There is a possibility that Google Maps' chatbot will help with navigation or help users know about the area a bit more. For instance, you can open the map to a new neighborhood you are considering moving into and ask chatbot questions about that place to learn more. The possibilities are endless, but we are still uncertain how this will work, so the best thing we can do is wait and see how this pans out.

Regardless of how the chatbot will be implemented, it would be nice to see Google Maps getting this feature. I just hope this feature is tied to generative AI in one way or another, because that would really help with the user experience.

News Source: Android Authority