Google Maps Local Guides Badges and Google Vids Screen Recorder

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Tech Topic Episode 90 explores tools and tips for summer travel and content creation, specifically focusing on new updates to Google Maps contributions and how to easily record yourself using the Google Vids Screen Recorder.



This week's background is a photo of a small village in Tuscany, Italy where Nina recently went on a family vacation.


Nina Trankova: Authentic Google Maps Contributions and New Local Guide Badges


Nina highlights the importance of contributing to Google Maps during summer travel, showcasing the new shiny, gradient-colored badges introduced for Local Guides. While the contribution rules remain the same, she notes there is an unrevealed surprise for users who reach Level 10. Nina emphasizes the need for high-quality content, explaining that Google's strict filters and new laws (such as an anti-fake review law in Italy) actively penalize fake reviews and promotional text, which can negatively affect a contributor's score.

Italy's SME Law, effective 7 April 2026, combats fake online reviews for hospitality services by requiring proof of purchase, banning incentives for feedback, and mandating that reviews be posted within 15 days of the experience. The legislation aims to restore trust by ensuring reviews are authentic, even allowing for the removal of reviews older than two years. Read the full analysis From receipt to publication within 30 days: fake online reviews in the crosshairs of the SME law

"Upload authentic images and authentic reviews from how you experience the location," says Nina.

Peggy Kolm: Google Vids Screen Recorder Extension

Peggy recommends the official Google Vids Screen Recorder Chrome extension for desktop users who want to record their screen and camera simultaneously. The extension allows users to select custom microphones or cameras, apply familiar Google Meet-style effects like backgrounds or blurring, and seamlessly open the final recording in Google Vids. Once in Google Vids, the camera recording acts as a separate object that can be moved around, resized, or combined with stickers and stock images.

"They say it's more engaging if you have a face on the screen. And I think having a real human face is nicer than using one of the AI avatars that Google Videos offers, which can look kind of artificial," Peggy highlights her practical advice for video creators.

The tips shared in Episode 90 reflect a trend of gradually drifting away from identical AI automation, focusing instead on authentic human experiences and taking time to unplug in nature during the summer.

OnEBoard will skip the July 4th weekend and be back with a how-to session on 12 July.

OnEBoard will be back with 3 Tips in 10 Minutes on 19 July.

 

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