Google Maps is enhancing its functionality with AI-powered innovations. On March 12, the tech giant introduced Ask Maps, a chat tool driven by Gemini that answers real-world questions. The app now includes a refreshed Immersive Navigation mode, offering 3D perspectives, improved road details, and more.
According to Google’s blog post, the Ask Maps features create a conversational experience for users, addressing real-world inquiries seamlessly. With this tool, users can avoid manually searching for locations; they can simply speak naturally to the AI.
Google provided examples such as “My phone is dying — where can I charge it without long waits for coffee?” or “Is there a public tennis court with lights available for tonight?”
The Ask Maps feature also assists users in trip planning, offering directions, estimated times of arrival, and insights from real people.
In addition, Google has revamped Immersive Navigation, claiming it to be the most significant update in over a decade. The new Maps will present a striking 3D view, highlighting buildings, overpasses, and terrain details. Furthermore, it will underline essential road features such as lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs.
Google noted that “This spatial awareness of your route is enabled by Gemini models, which analyse up-to-date, real-world images from Street View and aerial photography to provide an accurate perspective of notable landmarks and medians along your path.”
Additionally, the app will suggest alternative routes that avoid heavy traffic, provide toll information, and notify about road constructions and accidents. The voice guidance in Maps has also been upgraded for a more engaging and less mechanical interaction.
The Immersive Navigation is available starting today in the U.S., with a global rollout planned for upcoming months across iOS, Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto, and cars equipped with Google built-in.
Meanwhile, the Ask Maps feature is launching in the U.S. and India on both Android and iOS devices, with a desktop version expected to follow soon.
