Google is significantly enhancing Google Maps by integrating advanced agentic features into its 'Ask Maps' tool, aiming to transform the application from a navigation service into a comprehensive personal assistant. Announced on Thursday, these new capabilities allow users to perform real-world tasks directly within the app, such as ordering food, booking hotels, and securing event tickets.
The food ordering functionality enables users to specify preferences, like "vegan avocado toast and an oat milk latte," and Ask Maps will identify suitable restaurants. Users can then select items and proceed to checkout through integrated platforms like Square, Toast, or Uber Eats.
For travel planning, users can request hotel recommendations based on specific criteria, such as price, rating, amenities, and location. Ask Maps will compare prices and availability before directing users to partner websites for booking.
Event discovery is also improved, with users able to ask for local entertainment options like comedy shows or live music, receiving lists with links to purchase tickets.
A key addition is 'Personal Intelligence,' which leverages information from a user's Gmail and Google Calendar to offer tailored responses regarding flights, reservations, and other personal plans. This feature is opt-in and off by default. Additionally, Ask Maps will now remember previous conversations, allowing users to resume planning without starting over.
Google is also introducing a live transit widget to provide real-time updates on delays and conditions. The agentic features are rolling out to users in the U.S., while Personal Intelligence and the transit widget are available in all markets where Ask Maps is supported.
