The AI-powered “ Ask Maps ” tool in Google Maps has been significantly upgraded, now offering a wider range of personalized and conversational requests. This development allows users to perform various functions, such as ordering food, finding hotels and providing suggestions that take into account their existing plans. According to Google Maps head Miriam Daniel , these new features aim to “ make it easier than ever to do more ” without having to close the Google Maps app.
See also: Google Maps – Google Earth: New AI capabilities
One of the most interesting new features is the ability to order food through Ask Maps. The tool can take into account information such as specific dietary needs, the user’s location, and saved places. For example, a user can ask Ask Maps to “order spicy seafood pad kee mao to pick up on the way home” before leaving work.
Ask Maps will find open restaurants along your route that serve that meal, and when a restaurant is selected, it can automatically add the dish to your cart for checkout. This feature already works with platforms like Square and Toast, with Uber Eats support coming soon.
Additionally, Ask Maps can now help find hotels and local events that match a user’s specific requirements. This can include searching for hotels with a specific aesthetic or that are within walking distance of gyms, restaurants, and other amenities. The tool also allows users to contribute and edit location information conversationally.
For example, users can upload photos such as store signs, from which Maps will automatically extract information, such as updated opening hours, before asking for confirmation of the suggestion before it is submitted.
See also: Google Maps lets you chat with Gemini AI while you walk
These new capabilities, such as food ordering, hotel and event discovery, and conversational contributions, are already available in the US, with more countries to follow over time.
Another major addition to Google Maps is Personal Intelligence, a feature powered by the Gemini system that personalizes AI responses by connecting data from other Google apps. This allows the Ask Maps tool to automatically take existing plans, such as scheduled flights or dinner reservations, into account when responding to users’ requests. Personal Intelligence can connect Ask Maps to a user’s Gmail to begin with, although this feature is disabled by default, according to Google. Support for other apps, such as Calendar, is expected to be added soon.
Finally, Ask Maps has integrated real-time transit information, allowing users to check live updates for any delays to upcoming buses, trains, subways, or ferries. The live transit widget and more personalized answers are now available everywhere Ask Maps is available. Starting today, Ask Maps availability has expanded to include countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico.
The integration of artificial intelligence into Google Maps through the Ask Maps tool ushers in a new era of personalized navigation and search. Users can now enjoy a more holistic and tailored experience that combines convenience with accuracy, while organizations can benefit from increased interaction and a better understanding of their customers’ needs.
See also: Google Maps quietly added a long-awaited feature for drivers
With technology constantly evolving, Google Maps AI continues to pioneer, offering solutions that meet modern user demands.
