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Gemini Rolls Out Ask Maps to Make Google Maps More Interactive

The feature allows users to interact conversationally with the app, finding places such as a charging station, or available tennis court.

Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security and Smart Home
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations. With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation. Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
Expertise Smart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
Tyler Lacoma
2 min read
A phone shows a download ready for Google Maps.

A new ability called Ask Maps will let you have an AI conversation about where you're going.

 NurPhoto / Contributor via Getty

Google is introducing a new Gemini AI feature to the Google Maps app on Thursday called Ask Maps. Described as a "conversational experience," the feature allows users to interact naturally with the app -- asking follow-up questions, rephrasing queries and exploring new prompts -- similar to Gemini for Home devices.

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While Google Maps has long offered route-based voice navigation, Ask Maps goes much deeper to answer questions about trip details and the surrounding area. 

In one case, Google suggests using Ask Maps to find a nearby charging station if your phone's battery is dying. In another, Ask Maps can be used to find a well-lit tennis court for evening play. The new feature also offers in-depth recommendations for stops and tips when visiting popular tourist destinations. 

Gemini will also learn from the information you have stored in Maps in the past, such as what kind of restaurants you like visiting.

A Google representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. 

These conversational features have also moved into the more traditional Gemini commands. Once your app gets the update, expect directions to sound a bit more natural and flow with on-map highlights more readily. Google Maps is also enhancing your ability to find alternative routes in case of traffic issues and improving the experience when you reach a destination, like highlighting which side of a building the entrances are on.

Ask Maps is rolling out to American and Indian users right now, with the enhanced Maps features set to expand to platforms like CarPlay and Android Auto in the coming months.