Google updates Maps, Search, and Photos: Now you can always show locations

**What's up with the sudden updates?** The company describes this as a "new era" for Google, and there are numerous product updates. Included in a briefing are the company's new AI updates. Included is a new version of Gemini, which is designed to understand humans more accurately.<br><br>In addition to Gemini, Google is launching Gemini for Work, which is the "first commercially available version" of its AI model designed for business use. The Gemini API will be released today for early access, while Gemini for Docs & Slides is in beta testing.<br><br>These updates are also launching at the company's I/O conference today. The event is live, and this is just the first of many reports on what's happening.<br><br>**What's changing about Google Maps?** The company is describing updates to Maps, Photos, Search, and a couple of updates to Bard.<br><br>With Google Maps, you'll be able to locate locations more quickly. Included is a feature called "Map Search," which allows you to search for locations on a map without a keyboard. Instead, this interface allows you to drop pins and explore locations. Included are featured search filters, which will allow you to use search terms like "coffee" or "parking lots" to search locations.<br><br>The Search page is also getting changes. The new search will have an open layout, with results on the right and filters on the left. The search results will include featured search filters, which, again, allows you to search results by category. Included in featured search filters are featured snippets, which highlight useful information.<br><br>The company is also launching what it calls "new ways to explore." This includes not just typed searches, but voice, images, and even video. Instead of typing search terms, you'll be able to use other formats, which will open other search methods. Included is "search with anything," which will allow you to search using "images, voice, text, or even video."<br><br>Search will also have what the company calls "entities" cards, which will highlight useful information. Instead of a list of results, the new Search will have "entity cards," which combine several search results into a single card. Included in entity cards are featured search filters, which will allow you to search by category within a search result.<br><br>**What's new with Photos?** The company is launching updates to Google Photos, which will change how you view your photos.<br><br>With the new Photos, you'll be able to view your photos in a "new immersive way," with a featured called "magical maps." The magical maps will show pictures by location.<br><br>The company is also updating Google Bard, which it describes as a "new conversational interface." Instead of a list of results, Bard will show you results in a conversational interface.<br><br>There are other updates as well, so stay tuned for more on this.