Google Maps may suggest destinations based on ads you hear

Google is working on a “content-aware audio navigation” feature that suggests destinations based on advertisements played on radio and streaming services, recently discovered patent application documents reveal.

The patent application detailing the feature, first discovered by Auto Evolution, was filed by Google in 2020 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 16, 2024.

The proposed feature stems from the need to manage multiple audio sources. Google points out in its patent application that turn-by-turn directions often have to compete with music, podcasts, audiobooks, or whatever else the driver is listening to. This can be “suboptimal,” as Google puts it. Drivers may not be able to hear directions, or the directions may interrupt other audio at the wrong time.

Current versions of Google Maps that work in cars via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay already compensate for this problem somewhat by automatically lowering the volume of other audio sources when giving directions, but the patent application proposed.

As described in the application, Google Maps scans the audio content to determine if there are breaks where directions can be given with less interruption, although they are interrupted if there is not enough time to make the next turn. The feature also takes cues from the audio to determine parameters such as language and playback speed to tailor the directions to the audio content the driver is currently listening to.

Google has also discussed allowing Maps to listen to local radio ads and generate potential destinations. For example, if a radio plays a Starbucks ad, Maps might listen to it, identify the location of the nearest Starbucks, and suggest a reroute.

Given the advertising-centric nature of Google's business model, it is not surprising that practical features such as improving the audio balance between navigation and entertainment are also being discussed as more intrusive advertising leads. It should also be remembered that this feature is still in the patent phase, and even if it becomes part of a future Google Maps update, users may choose not to use it.

Google Maps is steadily adding features. It recently gained speedometer and speed limit features for the Apple iPhone iOS operating system (these features will be available in Android starting in 2019), and EV charging integration is coming in 2023.