Google Maps rolls out local guides feature where you can follow users just like on Facebook and Instagram

Several topical filters like recommendations about pizza or coffee and so on have been introduced to compartmentalize a guide's contribution.

FP Trending|Aug 03, 2020, 16:50:42 IST

Google Maps is a helpful guide to find out which restaurant offers cheap delicacies and what are the must-see locations in a city. Now Google will let you follow any 'local guide' of your liking so that you receive regular updates.These 'local guides' are a group of people who share reviews, photos and local knowledge about certain places via Google Maps. Usual contributors can earn the badge of a local guide and reach higher levels in the app. There is also a meet-up forum for local guides.[caption id="attachment_8668351" align="alignnone" width="1280"]

Google Maps[/caption]In a blog post published on 30 July, Group Product Manager at Google Maps Amanda Leicht Moore wrote that this will make it easier for users to “uncover community-powered updates and recommendations in Google Maps”.Google had launched this feature as a pilot project last year where they invited some local guides to participate in the program. It also allowed a select group of users to follow these community guides. After receiving positive feedback, the feature is seeing mass roll out now.So if any Google Maps user has uploaded a photo or review about any restaurant or eatery, you will be able to follow them. Also, by regularly sharing knowledge on the app, you can create your own profile and enhance your level. These profiles would be similar in appearance to your Facebook or Instagram profile. Several topical filters have been introduced to compartmentalize a guide's contribution. This means you can have separate sections at the top for recommendations about pizza or coffee."To become followable in Google Maps, an eligible user can go to their profile and follow a simple process. And users who are followable on Google Maps can make their profile restricted. With a restricted profile, you approve new followers before they can see contributions on your profile," read the blog.Also, you can set a unique profile picture and a tagline for your account.

Why AI notetakers are raising serious privacy and security concerns

AI notetakers promise effortless meeting summaries, but experts warn they could expose confidential conversations, corporate secrets and personal voiceprints. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered meeting assistants, questions over data storage, privacy, consent and legal risks are becoming impossible to ignore

5 min read

China's low-cost AI models are changing the global AI race. Here's why Silicon Valley is worried

As Chinese firms continue to improve performance while keeping prices low, the AI race is no longer just about building the smartest model—it is increasingly becoming a battle over who can deliver the best value

2 min read

China's Kimi K3 challenges US AI leaders with frontier-level performance at lower cost

Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has unveiled its latest open-weight AI model, Kimi K3, with early results suggesting it could compete with some of the world's most advanced AI systems developed by leading US companies

2 min read

How did Instagram run ads promoting child abuse in India?

India has issued a notice to Meta after an investigation alleged that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. MeitY ordered Meta to remove such Instagram ads and explain within seven days how they were approved

8 min read

Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?

India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India

3 min read

Up Next