Google has announced a major update to the “Ask Maps” tool within Google Maps, introducing new agentic capabilities designed to streamline user tasks. According to Miriam Daniel, head of Google Maps, these features aim to make it easier to get things done without leaving the app.
Agentic Food Ordering
The AI can now handle complex, conversational requests such as ordering food while accounting for contextual data like dietary needs and current routes. For instance, a user can ask the AI to order a specific meal for pickup on their way home from work; Ask Maps will identify open restaurants along the path and automatically add the item to a cart. This feature is currently rolling out in the US through partners Square and Toast, with Uber Eats support expected soon.
Personal Intelligence via Gemini
A new “Personal Intelligence” feature, powered by Gemini, allows Ask Maps to connect with data from other Google services. Initially, it can link to Gmail to factor in existing plans like flight schedules or dinner reservations when responding to queries. Google noted that this integration is disabled by default. Support for Google Calendar is slated for a future update.
Global Rollout and Transit Updates
Beyond commerce, Ask Maps can now discover hotels and local events based on specific requirements, such as a particular aesthetic or proximity to gyms. Users can also contribute to map data conversationally by uploading photos, from which the AI extracts information like updated business hours. While food and hotel features are US-first, real-time transit updates and personalized responses are expanding to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico.
