Google is finally rolling out the local search features announced earlier this year, including the ability to search around with your phone’s camera.
At the Google Search On virtual conference in September, people discussed innovative local search updates .
Google previewed the ability to search restaurants by meal and a new search feature built into Live View on Google Maps.
These updates and more are already available. Here’s an overview of the local search updates launching today.
Google Local Search Updates
Search with Live View
Starting next week, Google Maps Live View search will roll out in London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Tokyo on Android and iOS.
Search with Live View lets you use your phone’s camera to find information about places around you. Find out if a business is open, how busy it is, its price range and its star rating. “Google’s Multi Search Near Me” launches today in English in the U.S. You can now use Lens in the Google app to take a picture or a screenshot of a dish, add the words “near me” and immediately find a place that sells near you.
Find fast charging stations for electric cars
Google adds a filter to find electric car charging stations that makes it easy to find fast chargers. Search for “Electric Vehicle Charging Stations” and select the “Fast Charging” filter. You’ll see stations with chargers rated at 50 kW or higher.
You can also filter stations that offer your electric car’s plug type in more countries.
These features are already available on Android and iOS in countries where electric vehicle charging stations are available.
Find wheelchair accessible locations in other countries
The ability to search Google for wheelchair-accessible and ladder-free spaces for guests is now available worldwide.
Once you enable the Accessible Places option in the Google Maps app, you’ll see a wheelchair icon in business profiles if it has a handicap accessible entrance.
If the location is not wheelchair accessible, you will see the same icon with a crossed out color.
