Google Maps Gains AI-Powered ‘Ask Maps’ and Immersive Navigation Features

The debate about which is the better navigation app, Google Maps or Waze, continues, but Google Maps has recently received two significant improvements that could solidify its position as the leading all-in-one navigation application.

Ask Maps: Conversational Travel Planning with Gemini

The first new feature, Ask Maps, is a Gemini-powered conversational experience for travelers. This feature, long anticipated, allows users to ask detailed travel questions directly within the Google Maps interface. The Ask Maps tab is prominently located below the app’s search field and functions as a Maps-specific version of Gemini.

For example, users can ask questions like: “My phone is running out of battery – where can I charge it without waiting in a long line for coffee?” or “Is there a public lighted tennis court nearby that I can play tonight?” Google emphasizes that Ask Maps goes beyond simply re-organizing existing Maps information. If the feature performs as demonstrated, it could be a valuable tool for travelers.

During a presentation, Google showcased Ask Maps answering specific queries about nearby free phone chargers or florists along a route. Google states that Ask Maps can as well create complete travel itineraries based on information from over 300 million places and 500 million user contributions. For instance, a user could ask: “I’m going to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Coral Dunes – what are the recommended stops along the way?”

Google highlights the privacy aspects of Ask Maps, stating that it is not connected to other apps or user data.

Immersive Navigation: A Decade’s Worth of Improvement

The second major update is called “Immersive Navigation,” which Google describes as “the biggest navigation improvement in more than a decade” according to techradar.com.

Availability

Ask Maps is currently available in the US and India on both Android and iOS devices, with a desktop version planned for release soon. Google has not yet announced global rollout timelines for this update.