Hands-on with an Alpha build of Google Maps' Augmented Reality mode

Google Maps' work-in-progress augmented reality mode wants to end that scenario, drawing arrows and signage onto your camera's view of the real world to make extra, super sure you're heading the right way. It compares that camera view with its massive collection of Street View imagery to try to figure out exactly where you're standing and which way you're facing, even when your GPS and/or compass might be a little off. Google first announced AR walking directions about nine months ago at its I/O conference, but has been pretty quiet about it since.