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- In the future, destination recommendations in Google Maps may be triggered by advertisements from streaming services.
- No official statement has been released by Google regarding the potential implementation of this feature.
- In 2020, Google submitted a patent related to this concept.
A recently uncovered patent filing reveals that Google is developing a “content-aware audio navigation” attribute that would suggest destinations based on advertisements playing on the radio or streaming services.
Originally brought to light by Auto Evolution, the patent application outlining this feature was lodged by Google in 2020 and was only made public by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 16, 2024.
The proposed feature is driven by the necessity to handle various audio sources. Google explains in the patent application that providing turn-by-turn directions often competes with music, podcasts, audiobooks, or other content that drivers are listening to. This situation can be deemed as “suboptimal” by Google, either because drivers might miss directions or because the directions disrupt other audio at inconvenient moments.
Google Maps content-aware audio navigation
The present version of Google Maps that operates in vehicles via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay already addresses this to some extent by automatically lowering the volume of other audios when giving directions. However, the patent filing proposes a more sophisticated solution.
As stated in the application, Google Maps would analyze the audio content to identify opportune moments to issue directions with minimal disruption. Nevertheless, it would still interrupt if there’s insufficient time before the next direction. This functionality would also adapt directions based on cues from the audio, such as language and playback speed, aligning them with the audio content the driver is currently tuned in to.
In addition, Google considers enabling Maps to listen to local radio advertisements to create potential destination recommendations. For instance, if there’s an advertisement for Starbucks on the radio, Maps could detect this, identify the nearest outlet, and propose a reroute.
Google Maps content-aware audio navigation
Considering the advertisement-focused nature of Google’s revenue model, it’s understandable that a functionality like better audio balance for navigation and entertainment is being deliberated as a platform for more intrusive advertisements. It’s crucial to acknowledge that this feature is still in the patent phase, and users may choose not to utilize it if it becomes part of a forthcoming Google Maps update.
Google Maps has progressively introduced new features. Recently, it introduced speedometer and speed limit features for the Apple iPhone’s iOS system (these features have been accessible on Android since 2019), and EV charging integration was incorporated in 2023.
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