Google Project Genie can now turn real locations into interactive AI worlds: Here is how

Google hosted its I/O 2026 event last night and announced a range of Gemini updates and AI-focused features. Alongside the major announcements, Google also highlighted an update to Project Genie, the company’s experimental prototype that can create interactive virtual worlds. For those unaware, Project Genie is Google’s general-purpose world model that allows users to generate playable and explorable environments using AI. 

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Google is connecting Project Genie with real-world imagery from Google Street View. This means users can create AI-generated worlds that are based on actual places from the real world.

Also read: Google unveils new AI Ultra subscription with 20TB of cloud storage: What it offers and how much it costs 

Project Genie can now generate real world location

With the latest update, users can choose real locations in the US directly inside Project Genie. Google says users simply need to tap the Maps pin option, select a location, and then pick a visual style for the world like Ocean World, Stone Age, or Desert Sands. After that, users can also describe a character they want in the world. This could be anything from an animal and comic-book-style hero to a clay animation monster.

The AI system then creates an interactive world using the selected location as the starting point. Google says the feature uses Maps Imagery Grounding technology, which helps the AI understand and recreate real-world places more accurately.

Also read: Google I/O 2026: Google claims Antigravity 2.0 created an operating system in 12 hours, brings vibe coding to Android 

Google says the Street View-powered feature is currently available for locations in the US, with support for more places planned later.

Project Genie, with the new Street View capability, is currently rolling out to all eligible Google AI Ultra $200 subscribers globally.

Also read: Google I/O 2026: Gemini 3.5 Flash, AI video tool and major Gemini app upgrades announced

Ayushi Jain

Ayushi works as Chief Copy Editor at Digit, covering everything from breaking tech news to in-depth smartphone reviews. Prior to Digit, she was part of the editorial team at IANS. View Full Profile