Google has announced a significant expansion of its "Ask Maps" feature in Google Maps, introducing a suite of new agentic capabilities designed to help users complete real-world tasks directly within the app. Starting Thursday, U.S. users can leverage Ask Maps to order food, book hotels, find event tickets, and access personalized recommendations powered by Google's Personal Intelligence, which draws on data from Gmail and Google Calendar.
From Navigation Tool to Action-Oriented Assistant
The update underscores Google's broader strategy to evolve Google Maps from a simple navigation utility into a proactive AI assistant. By integrating agentic workflows, the platform now understands context and executes multi-step actions, positioning it as a central hub for daily planning and errands.
Food Ordering via Ask Maps
With the new food ordering capability, users can ask natural language queries like, “Where can I order vegan avocado toast and an oat milk latte near home?” Ask Maps surfaces nearby restaurants matching the request. After selecting a restaurant, users tap “Order online,” which redirects to supported partners such as Square, Toast, or Uber Eats. The AI populates the cart with requested items, and users can add more before completing payment on the partner's platform.
Hotel Booking and Event Discovery
For travel, Ask Maps can handle complex hotel queries. For example, a user might ask: “For next weekend’s conference in downtown Miami, find me a decently priced, top-rated hotel with an artsy vibe within walking distance from a gym and restaurants.” The feature compares prices and availability across partners, presenting a curated list. Users can then click through to the partner's website to finalize the reservation.
Similarly, the tool supports event discovery with queries like “what are some comedy shows or live music this evening near work,” returning options with direct links to purchase tickets.
Personal Intelligence Integration
Ask Maps now incorporates Personal Intelligence, enabling personalized responses based on a user's Gmail and Calendar data. This allows queries such as “What time will I land in Vancouver on my upcoming flight?” or “Can you recommend where to eat and what to do near my hotel?” to be answered with tailored information retrieved from the user's own communications.
Importantly, Personal Intelligence is off by default, respecting user privacy while offering opt-in personalization.
Context Retention and Live Transit Updates
The AI tool also remembers prior conversations, allowing users to continue planning seamlessly. For instance, a user can ask, “What activities had you suggested for my trip to Seattle?” and pick up where they left off without restarting.
Additionally, a live transit widget within Ask Maps provides real-time updates on delays and conditions, helping users navigate more effectively during commutes.
Rollout Details
The new agentic features are rolling out to users in the United States. Personal Intelligence and the live transit widget will be available in all markets where Ask Maps is supported. As Google continues to integrate AI deeper into its products, this update marks a pivotal step in making Maps an indispensable tool for both practical tasks and personalized planning.
via TechCrunch AI