Google puts AI to work to make Maps, Search more environment friendly

Tech giant Google is going to try and make some of its software more environment friendly. In a slew of updates announced today, the company said software like Maps and Search will start showing results that are meant to steer people towards environment friendly options. For instance, users in the US will not only see the fastest route to a destination on Google Maps, but the app will also show the most fuel-efficient route. The company said it is using artificial intelligence (AI) and insights from the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to provide eco-friendly routes on Android and iOS versions of Maps. The feature is available only in the US right now and will come to Europe next year.