The feature essentially turns Maps into a conversational assistant that can help plan routes, suggest places to visit, or even recommend restaurants based on specific preferences. By combining Gemini’s AI models with Google’s massive mapping database, the company says Maps can now answer more complex real-world questions about locations and travel.
Availability
Google says the Ask Maps experience is rolling out in India and the United States starting today. It will be available in English on both Android and iOS versions of Google Maps, with Hindi support expected to arrive later. The feature appears as a dedicated “Ask Maps” button within the app, allowing users to type or speak questions directly.
What ‘Ask Maps’ can do
Ask Maps is designed to handle more complex queries than traditional map searches. Instead of simply showing places nearby, the feature can respond to multi-part questions and provide contextual suggestions.
For example, users could ask questions like whether it’s faster to drive or take the metro to Connaught Place, and the system will compare routes, current traffic conditions and estimated travel times before offering recommendations. It can also help with local discovery. Someone planning a night out could ask for restaurants showing a live sports match with vegetarian food options, and the system would suggest relevant places along with details such as menu highlights, atmosphere and parking availability.
Personalised recommendations
Another layer of the experience is personalisation. Ask Maps uses a user’s activity on Google Maps such as saved places or past searches to refine recommendations.
For instance, if someone frequently searches for vegetarian restaurants, the assistant may prioritise those options when suggesting places in cities like Bengaluru.
Planning trips and activities
Google is also positioning the feature as a planning tool. Ask Maps can respond to broader queries like suggesting weekend itineraries for visiting family members or senior citizens, and recommend places that are easier to access or require less walking.
Powered by Google’s Maps data
According to Google, Ask Maps relies on information from more than 300 million places globally, along with insights from over 500 million contributors who provide reviews, ratings and updates on Google Maps.
The company says the aim is to turn Maps from a navigation tool into a more interactive planning assistant that helps users move from discovery to action, whether that’s saving a location, booking a restaurant or starting navigation.
