Google Maps Uses Gemini AI to Caption Photos

Google is rolling out AI-powered features to Google Maps, with Gemini now generating captions for photos and videos users want to share about local places. The tool gives users a starting point for captions, which can be edited or removed. Caption suggestions are live in English on iOS in the U.S., with global and Android expansion coming soon. Google is also simplifying photo sharing by surfacing recent images directly in the Contribute tab and making it easier to track contribution impact through points and Local Guide levels. New achievement badges and gold-colored profiles highlight top contributors among the platform's 500 million-strong community.