Google continues to include Gemini in the scope of its most used products. Today, it announced that Google Maps is getting a new AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature that allows for “complex, real-world questions” with highly detailed, personalized responses.
In the past, Google Maps struggled with hyper-specific queries, like “Where can I charge my phone without having to wait in line for coffee” or “Where is the nearest public bathroom that isn’t completely disgusting” (parents of kids with small bladders, I’m looking at you). But now, thanks to Gemini, all of our weird, slightly embarrassing questions can be answered – directions included.
Ask Maps lets you describe your plans through conversation, including as much or as little detail as you want, and Gemini will provide as detailed a response as you need through your query, often using personal details you’ve provided through your previous interactions with Google Maps.
In a briefing with reporters, Google product manager Andrew Doocy used this example: “I have some friends coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Can you find us a place between the office and Midtown East that is vegan, has a casual aesthetic, and has a table for four at seven tonight?” (I’m not sure Google Maps cares about this He (So much for your evening plans, but I digress.)
Using Gemini, Maps will provide a number of examples by analyzing user-submitted reviews and photos to pull data about the aesthetics or general occupancy of potential locations. If there are places you’ve previously favorited or interacted with, they may also appear in replies. And if you like what you see, Ask Maps will go one step further and book a table for you with just a tap.
“It’s personalized to you and gives you the flexibility to execute those plans,” said Duchy. “Less scrolling, more walking.”
Miriam Daniels, VP and general manager, Google Maps, said that the responses Gemini will give will rely solely on data from Google Maps, and not on any information from other Google apps like Gmail. When responses are personalized, the information will be based on past searches within Maps or Google Search that are related to places users have saved in Maps or added to their favorite places or lists, he said.
Asked whether Google planned to allow businesses like restaurants or hotels to pay for prominent placement in AI-generated itineraries or recommendations, Duchy dodged the bullet, saying he couldn’t speculate about long-term monetization plans. He said currently paid placements will not impact which locations appear in Ask Maps recommendations.
The feature is launching this week in the US and India on both Android and iOS devices, with desktop support planned in the near future.
Additionally, Google is using Gemini to change the look of Maps. The company announced its new “Immersive Navigation”, describing it as “the biggest upgrade to the Google Maps navigation experience in more than a decade”.
When you start navigation, the map will now feature fresh colors, detailed 3D buildings, improved roads, realistic terrain, and even greenery. The “camera” dynamically zooms in when necessary to highlight important road information, adjusting its view along your route by presenting a 3D perspective that mirrors the surrounding environment. Google says buildings, overpasses, terrain features, and other structures are depicted in a way that closely reflects the real world.
Immersive navigation will also highlight key road features such as lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights and stop signs when they are relevant to the next maneuver in your navigation. Google says this helps drivers turn or merge with more confidence because they’ll have a better idea of what’s ahead.
Additionally, the new navigation interface will explain the reasoning behind route suggestions so drivers can see why a particular path is recommended and can more easily compare options. These insights are powered by Google’s live traffic data as well as user-submitted contributions about construction, accidents or upcoming hazards. And once you reach your destination, the immersive navigation will provide you with more details about where to park or additional walking directions, if necessary.
Immersive navigation will begin rolling out in the US next week, with additional regions coming soon after. It will be available on iOS and Android devices, as well as systems like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and vehicles with Google built-in.
