Google continues to tie Gemini to the airwaves 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 answers.
In the past, Google Maps struggled with highly specific questions like “where can I charge my phone without waiting in line for coffee” or “where is the nearest public bathroom that’s not totally gross” (I’m looking at you, parents of kids with small bladders). But now, thanks to Gemini, all of our weird, slightly embarrassing questions can be answered—instructions included.
Ask Maps lets you describe your plans conversationally, with as much or as little detail as you want, and Gemini will analyze your query to provide you with as detailed an answer as needed, often using personal details you’ve provided through your past interactions with Google Maps.
In a briefing with reporters, Google product manager Andrew Ducci used this example: “Some friends of mine are coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Can you find us somewhere between the office and Midtown East that’s vegetarian, has a casual aesthetic, and a table for four tonight at seven?” (I’m not sure Google Maps cares. that (So much for your evening plans, but I digress.)
Using Gemini, Maps will then provide multiple instances, which will analyze user-submitted reviews and photos to obtain data about aesthetics or general engagement of potential locations. If there are places you’ve favorited or interacted with in the past, they may also appear in the answer. And if you like what you see, Ask Maps will go a step further and book a table for you with just one tap.
“It’s personalized to you and lets you make those plans come true,” said Ducci. “Less scrolling, more strolling.”
Miriam Daniel, VP and general manager of Google Maps, said that the answers provided by Gemini will rely entirely on data from Google Maps and not any information from other Google apps, such as Gmail. When responses are personalized, the information will be based on past searches within Maps or Google Search related to places users have saved in Maps or places they’ve favorited or added to lists, he said.
Asked if Google plans to allow businesses such as restaurants or hotels to feature prominently in AI-generated itineraries or recommendations, Ducci declined, saying he could not speculate on long-term monetization plans. It said that currently paid locations will not affect which locations appear in Ask Maps’ recommendations.
The feature is rolling out this week on both Android and iOS devices in the US and India, with desktop support planned for the near future.
Also, Google is using Gemini to change the look of Maps. The company announced its new “Immersive Navigation” and called it “the biggest upgrade to the Google Maps navigation experience in over a decade.”
When you start navigation, the map will now have fresh colors, detailed 3D buildings, elevated roads, realistic terrain, and even greenery. The “camera” dynamically zooms in when necessary to highlight important road information, and adjusts its view along your route by offering a 3D perspective that reflects the surrounding environment. Buildings, overpasses, terrain features, and other structures are represented in a way that closely mirrors the real world, Google says.
The 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 take a turn or merge with more confidence because they’ll have a better idea of what’s ahead.
In addition, the new navigation interface will explain the reasoning behind route suggestions so drivers can see why a particular route is recommended and more easily compare alternatives. These insights are powered by Google’s live traffic data as well as user-submitted contributions about construction, crashes, or impending threats. And when you reach your destination, Immersive Navigation will offer more details about where to park or additional walking directions, if needed.
Immersive Navigation will launch in the US next week, with additional regions to follow. It will be available on iOS and Android devices, as well as systems like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google’s built-in in-car.
