Google Maps’ New AI Uses Your Car Camera to Merge Lanes

The first car to get this feature is the Polestar 4, with rollout planned in the US and Sweden in the coming months through the “Google built-in” system. How it works is simple: as you drive, the car’s front-facing camera captures lane markings and road signs, while the AI processes that footage to understand your exact lane position. It then determines which lane you need to be in for upcoming exits or turns and provides both visual and audio cues to help you move safely.

For example, if you’re in the far-left lane and your exit is on the right, the system will highlight your lane and prompt you to merge in time. This makes a real difference, as many drivers often misread Google Maps directions when lane changes or exits aren’t clear, especially on complex highways.

Directions are also getting smarter. Instead of hearing “turn right in 500 feet,” Maps can now reference landmarks like “turn right after the Thai Siam restaurant,” making navigation more natural. The AI pulls this context from Google’s vast database of 250 million mapped places, ensuring that what drivers hear matches what they see on the road.

There are limits, though. For now, live lane guidance will only work in cars with “Google built-in” services and the necessary camera hardware. It won’t be available on smartphones, Android Auto, or Apple CarPlay yet. The feature will debut first on highways in select markets, with support expanding to more vehicles and road types later.

Drivers with compatible cars will see lane highlights on the dashboard, on-screen prompts, and hear audio reminders for lane changes. Mobile app users will continue to use the standard lane guidance feature that shows visual arrows but doesn’t monitor real-time lane position.

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