Google Maps is your new local guide
Google Maps is stepping out of its lane.
The new “Ask Maps” feature uses Gemini to turn the directions app into something closer to a personal concierge.
No more toggling between Maps, Yelp, and a dozen open tabs to find the best Thai restaurant in NYC. (It’s Chalong in Hell’s Kitchen, by the way.)
And with "Ask Maps", you can turn a vague plan into an actual itinerary.
Enter a question, like: I’m driving to Barcelona tomorrow, are there any cute boutiques I should visit along the way? Gemini scans reviews, photos, websites, and your search history to pull tailored options. Then, you can save those suggestions and plan your route, all in one conversation.
Google Maps upgrade features:
Curated answers to nuanced, multi-part questions
Street View previews of your destination
Arrival details, like where the building entrance is located or the best place to park nearby
Less scrolling, more strolling
This new feature has the power to drastically change local discovery behavior.
Why search "gym near me" when you could ask for an affordable fitness class with drop-in availability and a killer playlist? You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, without wasting time searching through endless reviews.
Plus, Google can (and will) use your data to make recommendations. So if you’ve been on a soy-lavender-matcha-latte kick, “Ask Maps” will favor artisan cafés over the nearest Starbucks.
The flip side to this feature is… Google will use your data to make recommendations. When asked about AI promoting sponsored placements, product manager Andrew Duchi offered a vague response, saying he couldn’t speculate on how the app will be monetized in the long run.
Buckle up, this ride is just getting started.
Wow! We've come a long way from MapQuest printouts – TL