Google Maps is using Gemini to turn your screenshots into plans

One of the more exciting additions to Google Maps is on the way, and it is a fantastic example of leveraging AI for truly helpful stuff. How many times have you taken a screenshot of a cool-looking restaurant or a must-see landmark, only to have it disappear into the depths of your camera roll, never to be seen again? Google is solving that with a new feature that can identify locations directly from your screenshots.

This new screenshot list feature – powered by Gemini – will allow you to quickly and easily save those captured travel inspirations and actually act on them. Once enabled, Maps will detect places mentioned in the text of your screenshots, display them on the map, and let you save them to a shareable list.

This means no more frantic scrolling through your camera roll trying to remember that amazing-looking cafe you screenshotted three weeks ago. The screenshot list feature is starting to roll out this week to iOS users in the US, with Android support on the way soon. It’s important to note that this feature relies on visible text within the screenshots, rather than image recognition alone.

Even more travel-inspiring features

But the AI-powered travel enhancements don’t stop there. AI Overviews in Google Search are also getting a significant upgrade with new itinerary-building capabilities. Rolling out in English to mobile and desktop users in the US this week, these tools can generate trip ideas for entire regions or even countries.

Imagine simply typing in “create a vacation itinerary for Greece that focuses on history,” and Google will present you with a wealth of information, including user reviews, photos, and a map of recommended locations. You can then save these locations to Google Maps or export them to Docs or Gmail, making it incredibly easy to organize your trip.

And speaking of visual information, Google Lens is also expanding its capabilities. AI Overviews in Lens, which provide information about whatever you point your camera at, will soon be available in more languages, including Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. This will make it even easier for users around the world to explore and learn about their surroundings.

Finally, Google is making it easier to snag the best deals on accommodations. The price drop alerts that have been so popular with Google Flights are now coming to Google Hotels. This feature, launching globally this week on both mobile and desktop browsers, allows you to track prices for your chosen dates and destinations. Simply toggle the feature on, and Google Hotels will send you email notifications when prices change, taking into account your specific filters like area, star rating, and beach access.