Google Maps gets an AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature and more immersive navigation

Google continues weave twin inside the the sky One of its most used products. Today it announced that Google Maps will get a new AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature that allows for “complex, real-life questions” with highly detailed, personal answers.

In the past, Google Maps was plagued by hyper-specific questions 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 our weird and slightly embarrassing questions can be answered, including directions.

Ask Maps lets you describe your plans conversationally, including as much or as little detail as you want, and Gemini will scan your query to provide an answer as detailed as you need, often using personal details you’ve provided through your previous interactions with Google Maps.

In a briefing with reporters, Google product manager Andrew Duce 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’s vegan, has a cozy aesthetic, and a table that seats four at 7 o’clock tonight?” (I’m not sure Google Maps cares Which So much for your evening plans, but I digress.)

Using Gemini, Maps will then provide a number of examples, analyzing reviews and user-submitted photos to pull data about the aesthetics or general busyness of potential locations. If there are places you’ve favorited or interacted with in the past, they may appear in the reply as well. And if you like what you see, Ask Maps will go one step further and book you a table with just one click.

“It’s customized for you and allows you to turn those plans into action,” Duce said. “Less passing, more wandering.”

Miriam Daniel, vice president and general manager of Google Maps, said that the responses published by Gemini will be based only on data from Google Maps and not any information from other Google applications, such as Gmail. When responses are personalized, the information will be based on previous searches within Maps or Google searches related to locations users have saved to Maps or places they’ve favorited or added to lists, she said.

When asked if Google plans to let businesses like restaurants or hotels pay for prominent placement in itineraries or AI-generated recommendations, Duchi disagreed, saying he couldn’t speculate on its long-term monetization plans. He said that currently paid placements will not impact locations that appear in Ask Maps recommendations.

The feature will launch this week in the US and India on both Android and iOS devices, with desktop support planned for the near future.

In addition, Google uses Gemini to change the appearance of the maps themselves. The company announced the new comprehensive navigation system, describing it as “the biggest upgrade to the Google Maps navigation experience in more than a decade.”

When you start navigating, the map will now feature updated colors, detailed 3D buildings, elevated roads, realistic terrain, and even green spaces. The Camera dynamically zooms in when necessary to highlight important road information, adjusting its view along your route by providing 3D perspectives that reflect the surrounding environment. Google says buildings, bridges, terrain features and other structures are represented in a way that closely reflects the real world.

Global Navigation will also highlight key road features such as lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights and stop signs when they are relevant for the next maneuver in your navigation system. Google says this helps drivers turn or merge more confidently as they’ll have a better idea of ​​what’s coming.

Additionally, the new navigation interface will explain the reasoning behind route suggestions so drivers can more easily see why a particular route is recommended and compare alternatives. These insights are supported by live traffic data from Google as well as user-submitted contributions about upcoming construction, breakdowns or hazards. After you arrive at your destination, Global Navigation will provide more details about where to park or additional walking directions, if required.

The comprehensive mobility system will go into effect 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 built-in vehicles.