California: Google is giving Google Maps a major AI upgrade with a new feature called Ask Maps and improvements to its immersive navigation system. The update aims to make Maps more helpful and conversational, not just a place to get directions.
Ask Maps works like a built‑in AI assistant. Instead of typing exact keywords, users can now ask natural questions such as “Find a quiet cafe nearby” or “Show me fun indoor places for kids”. The AI then looks at reviews, photos, and map details to give suggestions. Google says the feature uses its Gemini AI models to understand a request and respond more intelligently than a typical search.
Google is also improving its immersive navigation to make travelling easier. The updated version offers better lane‑level guidance, smoother animations and more realistic visuals of roads and intersections.
This helps users understand tricky turns and busy streets before they even start their journey. Google says this upgrade is especially useful in crowded city areas where traditional navigation feels confusing.
These changes are part of Google’s aim to bring more AI into everyday apps. By making Maps more interactive, Google hopes users will rely on it not just for directions but also for discovering new places and planning activities. The company says the new features will begin rolling out in select regions first, with wider availability expected later this year.
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