Google Maps Gets Gemini-Powered ‘Ask Maps’ Feature; Adds Immersive Navigation for Driving

Google on Thursday announced a new feature for Google Maps, which lets users ask complex, real-world questions about places directly within the app. The feature, dubbed Ask Maps, allows users to ask natural language queries and receive AI-generated answers grounded in Maps data. Alongside, the tech giant also rolled out Immersive Navigation, calling it the  as the biggest update to driving in Google Maps in more than a decade. 

New Google Maps Features

The Ask Maps feature combines the Mountain View-based tech giant's Gemini AI models with the platform's extensive mapping database to help users get answers that traditional maps could not provide before. There is a new Ask Maps button within the app, which allows users to ask questions using either text or voice, Google explained in a blog post.

For example, users can ask queries such as whether it is better to drive or take the metro to a destination at a particular time, or where they can grab a coffee along the way. The company claims Google Maps analyses traffic conditions, estimated travel time, and nearby locations to provide suggestions along with navigation directions.

Apart from this, it can also help with trip planning and location discovery. For instance, users planning a night out can ask questions such as where they can watch a live sports match while enjoying vegetarian appetisers. Ask Maps then scans available data to surface relevant suggestions and insights, such as popular menu items, atmosphere during match days, or whether valet parking is available.

The feature can personalise responses based on a user's activity in the app, too. It takes into account the places users have previously searched for or saved in Maps. Giving an example, Google explained that if a user typically looks for vegetarian restaurants, the AI feature can prioritise similar options when suggesting places to eat in a new city, providing recommendations that better match the user's preferences.

The conversational interface also supports follow-up questions, as per Google. Users can refine their search by asking additional queries, such as which venue offers easier parking or better accessibility.

The AI-powered experience is claimed to be built on information about more than 300 million places available on Google Maps. The system is also said to leverage insights from a global community of more than 500 million contributors who provide reviews, photos, ratings, and updates about places.

The Ask Maps feature has begun rolling out in India and the US on Android and iOS versions of Google Maps. It is currently available in English, with Hindi support expected to arrive soon.

Immersive Navigation for Driving

Alongside Ask Maps, Google has also announced Immersive Navigation. It is touted as the biggest update to driving in Google Maps in more than a decade. As per the company, the app gets redesigned visuals that make driving guidance clearer and more intuitive. Following the update, Google Maps can display a 3D representation of the surrounding environment, showing buildings, terrain, and overpasses along the route.

The app also highlights key road details such as lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs when they are relevant, as per the company. This spatial understanding of routes is also powered by Gemini models, which analyse real-world imagery from Street View and aerial photographs.

Google Maps will also provide a broader preview of the route ahead to help drivers better anticipate upcoming turns or lane changes. Voice navigation instructions have also been updated to sound more conversational.

Apart from this, the app will help drivers understand trade-offs between alternate routes by showing options such as a faster route that includes tolls or a slightly longer route with less traffic. Maps will also notify them about disruptions such as road construction or crashes, using reports contributed by its community of drivers.

Google says Immersive Navigation is starting to roll out in the US and will expand over the coming months to supported Android and iOS devices, as well as vehicles that support CarPlay, Android Auto, and cars with Google built-in.