The ‘Ask Maps’ AI feature will be initially rolled out for the US and India|@googlemaps|X
Google is bringing its flagship Gemini AI to its navigation tool in a new feature called “Ask Maps.”
The feature allows users to move beyond keyword searches and engage in natural language conversations.
Google Maps has over 2 billion monthly users and is the world’s most popular navigation tool. The AI feature will initially be rolled out in the US and India, powered by the Gemini 3 model.
With Ask Maps, users can ask complex questions in everyday language—such as finding a public tennis court with night lighting or a quiet spot to charge a phone. The system will provide personalized recommendations based on their unique search history and saved preferences.
Gemini will also process Street View and aerial imagery to create a 3D representation of routes in Maps.
The Alphabet company continues to push AI across its ecosystem. It added an AI Inbox view for Gmail in January and could add more before its developer conference in May.
Analysts note that Google Maps has historically been viewed as an under-monetized asset and that the AI integration strengthens its ability to generate revenue. Review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor could face serious competition from it.