We tried Googleâs new augmented reality feature for Maps thatâs currently available only on its Pixel smartphones, and we donât know what weâd do without it. (GOOG, GOOGL)
Anyone visiting a new city knows the confusion of emerging from a subway station and trying to figure out in which direction to turn. Even with your maps app open, orienting yourself in an unfamiliar place can be difficult and lead to some missteps.
That's why Google's new augmented reality (AR) feature for Maps is so helpful. Using your phone's camera, Google Maps identifies your location and places signs and arrows on your screen to show you where you need to go.
At Google's I/O conference earlier this month, the company announced that the Maps AR feature was now available on its lineup of Pixel smartphones. Google has not yet said when the feature will be rolled out more broadly, but its now in the hands of real people, using real Pixel smartphones.
In February, the Google Maps team gave Business Insider the chance to try out its new AR feature, and ever since, we've been eagerly awaiting its arrival on more devices.
Here's what it was like to use the new Google Maps AR feature on the streets of San Francisco:
