Google has introduced major updates to Google Maps, adding a new Gemini AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature and Immersive Navigation for driving.
The new AI-powered experience allows users to ask complex real-world questions using natural language directly inside the Maps app. Google says the system uses data from more than 300 million places available on the platform.
The new features are currently rolling out in India and the United States on both Android and iOS devices.
Ask Maps: AI-Powered Navigation Assistant
The new Ask Maps feature is powered by Google Gemini and combines AI with Google Maps’ vast location database.
Users will see a new “Ask Maps” button inside the app, allowing them to ask questions using voice or text.
What You Can Ask
Users can ask questions such as:
- “Is it better to drive or take the metro right now?”
- “Where can I get coffee along the way?”
- “Which restaurant nearby shows live sports?”
Google Maps then analyses:
- Traffic conditions
- Estimated travel time
- Nearby places
- User preferences
The AI provides personalised suggestions and navigation routes based on this information.
AI-Powered Trip Planning and Recommendations
The feature can also help users plan trips or explore new places.
For example, users could ask:
- Places to watch a live match with vegetarian food
- Restaurants with easy parking
- Cafes with a quiet atmosphere for work
Ask Maps scans reviews, photos, ratings, and updates from its community to suggest relevant options.
Google says the feature is built using insights from:
- 300+ million places listed on Maps
- 500+ million global contributors
These contributors upload reviews, photos, ratings, and updates about locations.
Personalised Recommendations
Ask Maps can also personalise responses using a user’s past activity in the app.
For example:
- If you frequently search for vegetarian restaurants, Maps may prioritise similar places.
- If you often save cafes or coworking spaces, those suggestions may appear first.
The AI interface also supports follow-up questions, allowing users to refine their search easily.
Immersive Navigation for Driving
Along with Ask Maps, Google also introduced Immersive Navigation, which the company calls the biggest driving update in more than a decade.
The feature provides a more realistic and detailed driving experience.
Key Features
Immersive Navigation includes:
- 3D visualisation of buildings and terrain
- Detailed road elements like lanes, crosswalks, and traffic lights
- Improved route previews
- More conversational voice instructions
The system uses real-world imagery from Street View and aerial photography to build a spatial view of the road ahead.
Smarter Route Suggestions
Google Maps will also help drivers understand different route options.
For example:
- A faster route with tolls
- A longer route with less traffic
The app will also notify users about road construction, crashes, and other disruptions reported by the Maps community.
Google Maps New Features Overview
| Feature | Ask Maps | Immersive Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Used | Powered by Google Gemini AI | Powered by Gemini AI with Street View and aerial imagery |
| Main Purpose | Allows users to ask questions about places, routes, and travel | Provides realistic 3D navigation while driving |
| User Interaction | Text and voice questions in natural language | Visual driving guidance with 3D environment |
| Examples of Use | Ask where to eat, best route, coffee stops | Shows lanes, traffic lights, buildings, and terrain |
| Personalisation | Uses past searches and saved places | Provides route suggestions based on traffic |
| Data Sources | 300M+ places and 500M+ user contributions | Street View data and real-world imagery |
| Supported Devices | Android and iOS | Android, iOS, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay |
| Availability | Rolling out in India and the US | Rolling out first in the US |
| Language Support | English (Hindi coming soon) | Depends on Maps navigation language |
Device and Platform Availability
Google confirmed that Ask Maps is currently rolling out in:
- India
- United States
Supported platforms include:
- Android devices
- iOS devices
Initially, the feature is available only in English, with Hindi support expected soon.
Meanwhile, Immersive Navigation is rolling out first in the US and will expand gradually to more regions and supported devices.
The feature will also work with:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Vehicles with Google built-in systems
Conclusion
Google’s latest update makes Google Maps smarter and more conversational by integrating Gemini AI directly into the navigation experience. With the addition of Ask Maps and Immersive Navigation, users can now ask complex travel questions, discover new places, and enjoy more realistic driving guidance.
As AI continues to evolve, these features could transform how people plan trips, explore cities, and navigate roads using Google Maps.