Google is hosting its 2022 I/O summit this week, where it’ll share previews of a range of coming features and tools, including updates for Search, new Maps presentation tools, improved ad formats, shopping improvements, secure payment options, and more. As a form of recap, let’s go over some of the most notable key points mentioned, shall we?
Banking on I/O
One of the big highlights is Google’s announcement of its more immersive Maps feature, which merges Street View and aerial imaging to create a more comprehensive and interactive digital model of the world. This new update to Maps will also enable users to experience what the neighborhood, restaurants, and popular venues look like, all through your device.
If anything, it all looks rather impressive and could just be an important consideration for marketers looking to showcase their business online. This new format also includes additional overload on-screen markers, pointing to new advertising and promotional opportunities.
As Google explains:
“Looking for a spot for lunch? Glide down to street level to explore nearby restaurants and see helpful information, like live busyness and nearby traffic. You can even look inside them to quickly get a feel for the vibe of the place before you book your reservation.”
This could just end up being another major element, while also leaning towards the next stage of Google’s advanced AR development and future integrations within Search. On top of this, Google also announced the expansion of eco-friendly routing for Maps to more regions, with Europe likely being ground-zero, while also launching a new ‘ARCore Geospatial API’ that enables developers to build new AR features for Maps. For a bit more on AR, Google also previewed its new AR glasses prototype, much of which you can check out here for details.
Meanwhile, on the ads front, Google’s testing a new format for its Carousel ads within Search, providing another way for shoppers to browse directly from the SERP. The option essentially ‘ports’ over the familiar Carousel ad format to Search, which could help Google lean more into the increasing interest in eCommerce. Furthermore, Google also unveiled a new ads control dashboard, which enables users to control how their ad experiences are personalized across Google’s apps and sites. The new ad center (included in the dash) offers a range of expanded controls for users to better manage ads and their visibility, as well as glean insights as to who paid for which ad.
Google also wishes to better secure its online payment processes with a new ‘Virtual Card’ option that would allow users to pay for online purchases without having to enter their actual credit card numbers. Along with this, Google is also expanding its ‘About This‘ result website insights element to general web usage. Pretty soon, as you’re viewing a web page, you’ll be able to bring up a new tab with additional information about the source URL.
The Wrap
In short, Google’s bringing us a lot of new stuff, including the opening of its second physical store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Meanwhile, users should also watch out for expansions to Google Translate, with Google introducing support for 24 new languages. The tool is now able to provide translations for 133 languages and regional variations. Catch way way more at Google’s I/O summit, including hardware updates and reveals.
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