Google’s AI Mode: A New Era in Travel Planning
Google’s latest addition to its AI Mode isn’t just a game changer, it underscores a new era for travel planning. It’s delightful yet surprising addition, “Create with Canvas”, brings about a seamless experience where users can sketch the outlines of their next trip and watch, almost magically, as Google’s AI constructs an itinerary for them. This feature includes data on flights and hotels, and orchestrates an entire travel plan that is not only aligned with user inputs, but is also enriched with photos and reviews from Google Maps.
But the magic doesn’t end there. The AI’s itinerary isn’t carved in stone; it’s a flexible document, ready to evolve with your trip planning process. As you get new insights, you can tweak the plan with follow-up questions or additional requests. You can ask for hotel suggestions based on pricing and preferred amenities, or recommend activities depending on travel time. Notably, US users can conveniently access this travel planning feature on their desktops by opting into AI Mode in Labs.
More than a Simple Workspace: Canvas
The birthplace of these plans – a tool called Canvas, is not new to the Google ecosystem. Launched initially as a dynamic workspace for Gemini and catering to real-time coding outputs or continuously-updating study plans, Canvas is now an integral part of the AI Mode in Search. The integration of trip-planning within Canvas isn’t just a green signal for Gemini users; it brings these features within easy reach of all the people who use Google’s search engine. This might be a concerning development for other travel companies like Kayak and Expedia, who are also trying to implement AI-powered features into their platforms.
Moreover, Google does not stop at this. The search engine giant is spreading its wings when it comes to the types of activities that its AI Mode can agentically book. Lab-based US users could already use their agent for automated booking of event tickets and local appointments, but now the AI Mode is extending its capabilities to include restaurant bookings. This provides users with a list of options and direct links to finalize their booking through Google’s partners. A significant step towards streamlining the entire trip planning process.
Google has also spilled the beans about its collaboration with hotel companies and online booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Its future goal is to implement agentic booking for flights and hotels, striving to be an all-encompassing travel planning tool for its users. Additionally, Google also hinted at the expansion of its AI-powered Flight Deals search within Google Flights, extending the service to over 200 countries and territories, with language support for more than 60 languages! Indeed, Google’s AI Mode is truly revolutionizing the face of travel planning!
Article is based on the original one written on The Verge. To read more, visit: https://www.theverge.com/news/822240/google-ai-mode-travel-plans-canvas
