These are some suggestions to get you gardening, strolling, or just spending time outside if you’re lacking motivation to leave the house.
1. Use Google Lens to get ready for gardening or landscaping
With Google Lens, you can do image-based searches thanks to artificial intelligence. Plant identification with Lens is one of my favorite uses for it. I always take out my phone and use the Lens feature to snap a picture of my neighbors’ beautiful landscape while I’m out for a stroll. I can follow the links in the search results to view more details, such as care guidelines and propagation advice, and they also identify the plant or flower in question.
Using Lens to discover more about the plants in your neighborhood is a pleasant addition to any walk, even if you’re not much of a gardener. To take a picture, simply launch the Google app, choose the Lens camera icon from the Search bar, and then choose the “Search with your camera” option. If you have older pictures that you’d like to know more about, you can also choose pictures from your gallery.
Lens is also compatible with multisearch, so you can combine a photo with a query to obtain an AI summary in the search results if you’d like to know more about anything you’ve seen. I was able to determine whether a particular type of cactus would thrive in my shaded yard, for instance, by taking a picture of it and asking myself, “Will this work in a shady yard?” Regretfully, the response was negative; nonetheless, Lens assisted me in learning that hydrangeas are hardy! I now have a handy list of items to pick up from the nursery the next time I visit.
2. Plan ahead by using Google Maps to explore
Try Immersive View if this is your first time seeing the location. It makes you feel as though you’re actually there and helps you get ready for your day outside by combining billions of Street View and aerial photos using artificial intelligence. In order to ensure that you pack a jacket or sunscreen if necessary, make sure to check out the weather slider, which can show you what the location will be like throughout the day as the weather changes. Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice are among those where Immersive View is presently accessible.
Maps can be used to determine the optimal path for a bike ride that you are planning. Via artificial intelligence (AI), Maps’ cycling information—available in hundreds of cities—indicates the elevation as you travel and whether you’ll encounter steep hills, stairs, or heavy traffic. A thorough analysis of the route will also be provided to you, allowing you to quickly distinguish between the many types of roads you’ll be riding on, such as small streets and major highways. After you’ve looked up directions, all you need to do is click the cycling symbol.
3. Use the AQI feature on Google Maps to stay current on air quality.
When the outdoors are enjoyable, it’s much easier to appreciate them. Google Maps‘ air quality index (AQI) function displays the current AQI in a given location. Using the Maps app on your computer or phone, select “layers” and then “air quality.”
4. Use Pixel Buds Pro to answer calls outside
Try fielding calls from a park or while taking a stroll around the block, whether it’s for a business meeting or a casual catch up. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), Clear Calling—a function of Pixel Buds Pro—reduces background noise and amplifies the other person’s audio while also differentiating your speech from ambient noise. Additionally, Pixel Buds Pro has Conversation Detection, which employs AI to interrupt your podcast or music if you happen to run into someone after or during your walk. After that, it will resume where you left off when you end the call.
5. Use Gemini to get imaginative outdoor ideas
There are many ways to use Gemini to enhance your outdoor experiences, but here are some particular ideas to get you started:
To compare some outdoor activities, ask Gemini to make a chart. It can be exported to Google Sheets as well!
Get Gemini to create a free outdoor fitness schedule that you can follow at your neighborhood park.
Consult Gemini for tips on organizing a neighborhood barbecue.