The feature is launching inside Project Genie, Google’s experimental prototype for generating interactive worlds. Users can select a real-world location through a Maps pin, apply a visual style, and describe a character or setting. Genie then generates an explorable environment built from Street View imagery combined with AI-generated modifications.
Google demonstrated several examples during the announcement, including a version of the Golden Gate Bridge transformed into an underwater environment using the “Ocean World” style, as well as a black-and-white recreation of the Fort Worth Stockyards inspired by the 1920s.
The company said the system is powered by Maps Imagery Grounding, the same underlying technology developers use to generate AI visuals using Street View data.
Google is also broadening access to Project Genie itself. Starting today, the platform — including the new Street View functionality — is rolling out gradually to eligible Google AI Ultra subscribers globally. The subscription tier is priced at $200 and limited to users 18 and older.
Project Genie remains part of Google Labs and is still categorized as an experimental research prototype. Google said it continues working on improving image accuracy, detail quality, and overall consistency as the system evolves.
Google said it plans to expand Street View support to additional locations over time as Project Genie continues to evolve beyond experimental world generation into a more realistic simulation platform tied to real-world environments.
This analysis is based on reporting from Google.
Image courtesy of Google.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
