Google launches conversational 'Ask Maps' and immersive navigation

On Thursday, Google announced that Google Maps is introducing a Gemini-powered conversational “Ask Maps” feature alongside an updated “Immersive Navigation” experience. The update integrates Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence model directly into the consumer navigation app to change how users search for locations and navigate roads. The conversational search feature is rolling out on Android and iOS in the U.S. and India, while the new Immersive Navigation begins rolling out across the U.S. today.

The “Ask Maps” feature allows users to ask complex, real-world questions using natural language, such as asking for places to charge a phone without waiting in a long coffee line, or finding public tennis courts with lights. Users can also use the feature to plan trips, receiving directions, estimated times of arrival, and tips from other users. Ask Maps personalizes its recommendations using signals from a user’s account, such as previously searched or saved places. For instance, if a user asks for a cozy spot with a table for four at 7 tonight, the feature can use saved preferences to suggest options that fit their dietary choices. While the feature is currently launching on mobile devices, Google stated that Ask Maps will be available on desktop soon.

Simultaneously, Google is updating the driving experience with “Immersive Navigation.” This feature introduces a 3D view of buildings, overpasses, and terrain, similar to Apple Maps, and highlights road details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs. To help drivers prepare for turns, the app uses smart zooms and transparent buildings to show upcoming routes. Google has also updated its voice guidance to sound more natural; instead of generic distance alerts, drivers will hear instructions like “Go past this exit and take the next one” when getting off a highway in two exits. The app will also explain trade-offs for alternate routes and alert drivers to real-time disruptions using data from both the Google Maps and Waze communities.

Miriam Daniel, VP of Google Maps, stated that the team set out to redesign the driving experience to take the guesswork out of trips. Daniel described the update by stating, “Immersive navigation is a complete transformation of the navigation experience.” While Immersive Navigation launches in the U.S. today, Google plans to expand availability over the coming months to eligible iOS and Android devices. This expansion will also include CarPlay, which is Apple’s in-car interface, Android Auto, which is Google’s in-car interface, and vehicles with Google built-in.

Why it matters

Google is integrating Gemini AI into Maps to provide conversational search and enhanced navigation, aiming to reduce user guesswork by offering real-time, intuitive guidance and personalized recommendations.