**Google Maps is Trying Out Emoji-Like Reactions for Images Within the App**
Google Maps is in the process of testing a fresh feature that enables users to respond to images in business listings using emoji-like reactions. This functionality resembles the reactions found in Google Messages. At present, when users access a listing on Google Maps, they can see the title of the listing, options such as call and directions, along with a gallery of images and videos. However, until now, there was no option to react to or provide feedback on an image.
The updated feature brings a “Press and hold to react” overlay on images, permitting users to select from five different emojis: heart, pray, fire, tongue-out, and mind-blown. Selecting an emoji initiates a small animation, like a heart swirling across the display. Although reactions are sent to Google and are publicly visible, they currently do not appear on the images themselves.
This feature is not yet broadly accessible and has been observed functioning on devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Oppo Find N5, but not on other Android devices or iPhones. Google presumably views this feature as an opportunity to enhance engagement on Maps listings, offering users a swift method to share feedback on photos without needing to compose entire reviews. The deployment of this feature may occur soon, as it has already been detected on several devices.
