The most ambitious Google Maps update in the last ten years has taken another step forward. Ask Maps, the conversational assistant powered by Gemini AI , incorporates new features that promise to change the way we plan our routes, order food, or even recall past conversations. The company has confirmed that these improvements are already available in all countries where the feature operates, although some advanced capabilities are still being rolled out gradually.
The idea is simple: instead of performing separate searches, the user types or speaks in natural language , and Gemini handles the interpretation of complex requests, combining multiple conditions into a single query. For example, you can request a coffee shop near a route with a terrace and bike parking, or an affordable hotel with a gym and nearby restaurants. All of this without having to switch between different applications.
Agent capabilities and one-click ordering
One of the most striking changes is the addition of agent capabilities that allow for multi-step tasks to be completed . For example, a user wants to order food for pickup on their way home. Ask Maps will search for open restaurants along the route, take into account saved locations and dietary needs, and add the desired dish to the cart. All that remains is to review and confirm the order.
To make this work, Google has partnered with Square and Toast , although integration with Uber Eats is planned for the coming months. In fact, the company is working with other companies on developing the so-called Universal Food Trade Protocol, which would allow this functionality to be extended to more delivery services.
The search function for hotels and events has also been improved. You can now request highly-rated accommodations within a specific price range and near certain amenities. The tool compares prices in real time, checks availability, and displays the best-fitting option. For leisure activities, it suggests concerts, comedy shows, and other events, with direct links to purchase tickets.
Personal Intelligence: The assistant that knows you
Another major new feature is Personal Intelligence, an optional function that connects Ask Maps with Gmail and, soon, with Calendar. With the user's consent, the assistant will consider flight, hotel, and restaurant reservations to offer relevant suggestions without requiring them to explain their plans. For example, before a trip, you can ask, "What can I do near the hotel before my flight tomorrow?" and you'll receive recommendations based on your hotel reservation, along with directions to the airport.
Privacy is a key focus. The connection with Gmail is disabled by default , and users decide which apps they want to connect. Google states that the feature was designed with privacy in mind, and detailed explanations are available in their help center.
Additionally, if history is enabled, Ask Maps remembers previous conversations. This way, you can pick up planning a trip where you left off without having to repeat all the information. Simply ask, “What activities did you suggest for my trip to Chicago?” and the assistant will retrieve your previous ideas.
Public transport and conversational contributions
Public transport is also getting its dose of intelligence. Ask Maps incorporates a new widget that displays real-time information about buses, trains, subways, and ferries. The panel updates minute by minute, and if a service is delayed, the wait time is automatically adjusted so the user knows when to head to the stop or dock.
On the other hand, contributing to the community becomes simpler. Instead of filling out forms, you can report changes through direct conversation . For example, if a business has changed its hours, simply upload a photo of the sign so the AI can detect the new hours and ask for confirmation before sending the suggestion. Of course, Maps' review systems will ensure the information is accurate before publishing it.
All of these features are already available in the markets where Ask Maps operates. However, food ordering, hotel and event searches, and conversational contributions have initially launched in the United States, with plans to expand to more countries in the future.
International expansion and availability
With this update, Ask Maps is launching in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico , joining the more than 150 countries and territories where it already operates in English. However, the company has not confirmed when it will be available in Spanish or other languages. Spanish-speaking users will have to wait, although the rollout is expected to continue in the coming months.
For now, the full experience is reserved for the United States, where advanced features are already active. In the rest of the world, the update focuses on the transportation widget, custom replies, and conversation history, which are available in all territories.
For cyclists, this new version can be especially useful. Finding services along a route —such as cafes with outdoor seating, bike shops, or accommodations with bike storage—is greatly simplified thanks to Gemini's integration with Google Maps to assist pedestrians and cyclists . While Google Maps doesn't replace specialized apps like Strava or Komoot, it does offer a vast database of businesses and reviews that Ask Maps can combine with the route's context.
With this update, Google demonstrates that artificial intelligence is not just a fad, but a practical tool for everyday life. The combination of Gemini with Maps data allows for the natural execution of complex tasks, and the expansion to new countries indicates the company's strong commitment to this technology. Although there is still progress to be made in terms of languages and features, Ask Maps is shaping up to be an increasingly capable assistant that could become central to our digital lives.
