Google Maps makes navigation easier with conversational ‘Ask Maps’ feature – News

Google LLC is giving Google Maps a new button: “Ask Maps” integrates a Gemini-powered conversational experience directly into the app, allowing users to ask more detailed questions about whatever it is they need to find.

In a blog post, Google Maps Vice President and General Manager Miriam Daniel said users will be able to hit the Ask Maps button whenever they want to find something that would be challenging to locate using a regular search. For instance, they might say “My phone is dying, where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” and receive directions to the most suitable destination.

Ask Maps can also be used to plan trips quickly. For instance, if someone is driving from New York City to Philadelphia, she could ask if there’s any recommended stops along the way. Maps would then provide a list of places worth checking out, along with directions, estimated times of arrival and reviews from real people that provide tips such as how to get free entry tickets or how to find hidden trails. Daniel said Ask Maps will personalize its responses based on “signals” such as places they’ve previously searched for and bookmarked. So if someone tells it her friends are coming over today and she’s looking for a cozy spot with a table for four at 8 p.m., it will already know her preferred restaurants and suggest convenient options.

Ask Maps is launching in the U.S. and India now on Android and iOS, and will be coming to desktop users soon, Google said.

In addition, Google launched a new “Immersive Navigation” feature that provides a 3D view for when users are actually driving to their destination and following Maps. It’s similar to Apple Maps in that it reflects nearby buildings, overpasses and terrain, and it will also highlight information such as traffic lanes, traffic lights, stop signs, speed limits and crosswalks.

Daniel said her team set out to redesign the Maps experience, with the goal being to eliminate the guesswork from navigation and trips. “Immersive navigation is a complete transformation of the navigation experience,” she said. “It’s got redesigned visuals, fresh real-world information that’s brought to you just in time and more intuitive guidance.”

With that in mind, the company also introduced more capabilities that aim to keep people better informed while they’re on the road. For instance, Maps now has smart zooms and transparent building features that can help users to spot tricky or confusing turns and lane changes ahead of time. The voice guidance feature sounds more natural too, Daniel said. If a driver needs to get off the highway in two exits, it’ll say something like “Go past this exit and take the next one for Illinois 43 South.”

Another update allows users to compare alternative routes to the same destination, so they could choose between a slightly longer, more scenic route with less traffic on the road, or a faster one that includes toll roads. The app will provide real-time alerts as things happen too, such as information on disruption caused by accidents or construction work.

Finally, Google will help people once they’re reached their destination. It will use Street View imagery to preview the building they’re headed to and offer tips on where to park, avoiding those annoying situations where you arrive only to find there’s nowhere to park. The Immersive Navigation feature is launching in the U.S. first on compatible Android and iOS devices, as well as CarPlay and Android Auto.

Gemini isn’t new to Google Maps. The company first introduced AI functionality in the app last year, allowing users to ask questions and receive answers about places worth visiting along a route and get updates on the news and sports games.

Images: Google