Google Maps and Genie: the AI that creates real video games

Google continues to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence with its innovative project, Project Genie. Unveiled at the Google I/O conference in May, this AI allows users to create immersive 3D environments from simple text descriptions. Now, thanks to a significant update, Genie can integrate images from Google Maps to generate simulations based on real locations.

Users can select a location on Google Maps, and Genie uses this data to create a virtual world inspired by Street View images. For example, it is possible to design an environment where the Golden Gate Bridge is flooded. Users must also provide a description of their character, which the AI will generate to explore this virtual universe.

However, this feature is currently limited to the United States, although Google is already considering an expansion. To access this technology, users must be over 18 years old and subscribe to the Google AI Ultra plan, which costs 219 euros per month. This subscription is aimed at professionals requiring high computing power for their projects.

Since its launch, Genie has proven to be a valuable tool for research, particularly in assisting Waymo in simulating hyper-realistic road environments. Google is not stopping there, as it is also developing highly realistic video and music generators, as well as a version of Gemini for robotics.