Inside Google’s Plan to Make Maps Conversational With “Ask Maps” AI Feature

In Focus

• “Ask Maps” will enable users to query Google Maps about locations using plain text
• The Gemini-powered chat for routes and places is currently inaccessible
• Google has not announced the “Ask Maps” feature formally

Google Maps may soon allow users to have conversations about routes and locations. According to Gadgets360, these capabilities will be supported by a Google Maps’ “Ask Maps” AI feature that the tech is reportedly working on. The new feature is set to introduce a chat interface powered by Gemini to the platform to facilitate conversations.

Google is Still Developing “Ask Maps”

Google’s AI integration in Maps is among the many Gemini AI products that the company is introducing after releasing various modes of hands-free, voice-based navigation. Although the idea is the same with “Ask Maps”, conversations will be conducted via text.

But “Ask Maps” is still under development and currently inaccessible to anyone. Once available, Google will make a new chip visible beneath the text box on Google Maps. Screenshots show the chip features a Gemini sparkle logo alongside “Ask Maps’ text. The chip leads to a bottom sheet that features a Gemini-like chat interface.

Users will likely enter discussion topics or queries in the text box provided and get responses from the chatbot. Google may choose to integrate the AI model that powers the chatbot with the Maps database.

Such integration could enable Maps to better respond to app-specific queries. News about Google’s “Ask Maps” feature comes days after the tech giant started testing a feature that could allow users to import AI chats from ChatGPT or Claude to Gemini.

What “Ask Maps” Could Mean for Users

The functionality of the new Google AI in Maps navigation chatbot remains unclear. However, it could enable users to find information more easily, without searching through listings or menus once it launches.

For instance, users can quickly ask for information about travel options, routes, nearby restaurants, and other relevant details using plain text. The chatbot will likely use Google Maps data to respond to queries, which effectively reduces the steps and time needed to explore locations or plan travel.

Google started rolling out Gemini in Maps last year to boost navigation capabilities. With Gemini navigation, users can plan their destinations, find places, and share estimated arrival time with others, and will be based on voice commands.

Google Will Experiment New Feature at Roll Out

Once rolled out, “Ask Maps” will be available as an experimental option that users can activate through the Settings section. Users can enable early access to the new chatbot using the “Try new features” section which is reportedly available in the app’s Settings.

Some sources suggest that access to the new chatbot could be limited at launch, with only a limited number of users being allowed to initially test the feature. Google is yet to announce the “Ask Maps” feature formally. The new feature is reportedly based on an APK teardown and will have to be activated through the “Try new features” menu.