In my household, questions like ‘Where’s the closest public bathroom that’s not completely disgusting’ are common.
Google is enhancing its products with Gemini AI. Today, it announced a new AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature in Google Maps for “complex, real-world questions” with personalized responses.
Previously, Google Maps struggled with specific questions like “where can I charge my phone without coffee lines” or “where’s the closest acceptable public bathroom.” Thanks to Gemini, Google Maps can now handle these queries and provide directions.
Ask Maps allows users to describe plans conversationally, and Gemini provides detailed responses using past interactions with Google Maps.
Andrew Duchi, a Google product manager, illustrated this with an example: “I have friends coming from Midtown East. Can you find a vegetarian spot with a cozy vibe for four people between the office and Midtown East at seven?” Maps will use Gemini to suggest locations based on reviews, aesthetics, and past favorites, potentially booking a table with a tap.
“It’s personalized and lets you act on plans,” Duchi noted.
Responses from Gemini rely on data from Google Maps, not from other apps like Gmail, said Miriam Daniel, Google Maps VP and GM. Personalized responses use Maps or Search history relevant to saved or favorited locations in Maps.
When asked about monetization, Duchi indicated no current plans to allow businesses to pay for prominent placement in AI-generated recommendations.
The feature launches this week in the US and India on Android and iOS, with desktop support coming soon.
Google is also updating Maps using Gemini with “Immersive Navigation,” the largest upgrade in over a decade. Navigation will now feature updated colors, 3D buildings, roadways, realistic terrain, and greenery, with a dynamic “camera” that highlights critical road details using 3D perspectives.
Immersive Navigation will highlight lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs, increasing driver confidence. It will explain route suggestions, allowing drivers to compare options, drawing on live traffic data and user contributions about construction or hazards.
After reaching a destination, it will offer parking or walking directions if needed.
Immersive Navigation begins rolling out in the US next week with more regions and will be available on iOS, Android, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google-built-in vehicles.