If you use Google maps in India, we have good news for you. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced a new AI feature for Google Maps that will allow users to ask detailed questions about places directly inside the app. The new feature called ‘Ask Maps’ is powered by Google’s Gemini models and is now rolling out to users in the United States and India for free. They can use the new Google Maps feature on Android and iOS devices.
“We’re bringing new capabilities powered by Gemini models to @googlemaps. With Ask Maps, get answers to complex questions about any place you want. For example it can help with complex requests like ‘Find me the best 3-hour family hikes in the Grand Tetons and a spot for a packed lunch’. Rolling out now in the US and India,” Pichai wrote on social media platform X.
With Ask Maps features, users will get answers to complex travel and location-related questions. You can just tap the ‘Ask Maps’ button and get your questions answered conversationally, with a customised map to help you visualise your options.
For example: Now you can ask for things like, ‘My phone is dying — where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?’ or ‘Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?’.
if you’re planning a trip, just ask: ‘I’m headed to the Taj Mahal, India Gate and Qutub Minar — any recommended stops along the way?” You’ll get clear directions, ETAs, and insider tips from real people.
To build your itinerary, Maps analyzes information from over 300 million places, including reviews from our community of more than 500 million contributors.
“Previously, finding this information meant lots of research and sifting through reviews. Ask Maps is uniquely helpful — tapping into Maps’ fresh information about the world to show you everything you need to know before you go, personalizing responses to you, and making it easy to turn plans into action,” Google said in a blog post.
Google says that your results are personalised based on things like places you’ve searched for or saved in Maps to help you get the most relevant recommendations.
So when you ask, “My friends are coming from Noida to meet me after work. Any spots with a cozy aesthetic and a table for 4 at 7 tonight?” Ask Maps already knows you like vegan restaurants and finds convenient midway spots with vegan options.
Once you have a place in mind, Ask Maps makes it easy to turn plans into action. You can book restaurant reservations, save places to a list or share them with friends. Get directions and navigate to your destination with just a few taps.
Ask Maps is personalised to you and lets you easily turn plans into action.
