Alphabet Inc is making one of the biggest changes to Google Maps in over a decade, with an "Ask Maps” feature that will allow users to interact with the product like a chatbot.
That means Maps will be able to answer spoken and written requests that mix location and reviews knowledge with personal history and preferences – part of Google’s effort to integrate its AI, Gemini, into all of its products, the company said Thursday.
The new feature provides personalised responses for users by analysing information from over 300 million places and reviews from a community that exceeds 500 million contributors. Rather than researching specific spots or sifting through reviews manually, Ask Maps should make it possible to "ask anything, about anywhere,” the company said.
"By bringing together the world’s freshest map with our most capable Gemini models, we’re transforming exploration into a simple conversation,” said Miriam Daniel, vice president and general manager of Google Maps. Gemini was previously integrated to help provide a hands-free experience, but this update will change the way people use the product, the company said.
The new feature will be able to provide restaurant recommendations tailored to users’ prior search history or saved spots. For instance, Ask Maps may suggest vegan or vegetarian restaurants if it knows a user has certain dietary restrictions without the person explicitly asking.
For those that drive, another update powered by Gemini will provide a comprehensive 3D view of the road and offer alternate routes in case of traffic congestion or real-time disruptions. Called "Immersive Navigation,” the tool also provides helpful guidance to drivers with features such as recommendations for parking and where a building’s entrance is located.
Ask Maps will be available in the US and India for iOS and Android users starting Thursday. Immersive Navigation will be available in the US for eligible iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in. It will roll out to other regions in the coming months.
While Google Maps has long been the go-to for many consumers, Apple has invested heavily in its own product in recent years, increasing pressure on Google to innovate. – Bloomberg
