Google launches Ask Maps, a Gemini-powered conversational Google Maps feature that lets users ask “complex, real-world questions”, available in the US and India

'Where's the closest public bathroom that's not completely disgusting' is going to get asked a lot in my household.

The Verge 2026-03-12 Andrew J. Hawkins

Discussion

@google @google on x
Today @GoogleMaps is getting its biggest upgrade in over a decade. By combining our Gemini models with a deep understanding of the world, Maps now unlocks entirely new possibilities for how you navigate and explore. Here's what you need to know 🧵 [video]
@officiallogank Logan Kilpatrick on x
Introducing our biggest upgrade to @googlemaps since the original launch, featuring Ask Gemini (with personalization), Immersive Navigation, and much more!! 🗺️ [video]
@sundarpichai Sundar Pichai on x
We're also launching Immersive Navigation - our biggest navigation upgrade in over a decade! A new vivid 3D view better reflects your surroundings, with helpful road details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights etc. Gemini models analyze real world imagery from Street View and …
@sundarpichai Sundar Pichai on x
We're bringing new capabilities powered by Gemini models to @googlemaps. With Ask Maps, get answers to complex questions about any place you want. For example it can help with complex requests like “Find me the best 3-hour family hikes in the Grand Tetons and a spot for a packed …
@thefox Nick Fox on x
Shipping some of the biggest updates to @googlemaps... ever! ✨ + Ask Maps: new conversational experience - ask whatever you want to know about places and routes, check it out ⬇️ + Immersive Navigation: totally new 3D UI, intuitive directions, helpful parking previews [video]
@_tenzdhon_ Tenzin Dhonyoe on x
did Google Maps just kill Apple Maps [video]
@gabor Gabor Cselle on x
This is super useful FYI
@minchoi Min Choi on x
Google Maps just got an INSANE upgrade! Google just dropped AI powered “Ask Maps” This is the biggest Maps update in over a decade. Powered by Gemini. Rolling out today. 5 wild things you can now get out of it: [video]
@abhijitwt Abhijit on x
google map now powered by gemini we are getting closer to AGI. [video]
@markknd Mark Vassilevskiy on x
No one is gonna use Apple Maps anymore
@fofrai @fofrai on x
Planning some lunch time walks from the London office. [image]
@alexgroberman Alex Groberman on x
Google Maps just got its biggest upgrade in over a decade and most local businesses have no idea what it means for them. Ask Maps is a new way to search that's powered by Gemini. Instead of typing “Italian restaurants near me” and getting a list of pins, people can now ask
@kimmonismus @kimmonismus on x
Google is reinventing Google Maps by integrating its Gemini AI models, introducing two major upgrades: Ask Maps and Immersive Navigation. Ask Maps lets users ask complex, conversational questions (like finding nearby phone chargers or trip stops), pulling insights from 300M+
@ehuanglu @ehuanglu on x
woww.. google map now powered by gemini you can ask anything while driving [video]
@cryptopunk7213 @cryptopunk7213 on x
damn google just launched the biggest AI product in history - 2 billion users, an intelligence layer on top of google maps. this kills yelp and tripadvisor: - “Ask Maps” is a conversational AI built on 300M places and reviews from 500M people, ask it: “is there a public tennis
@autismcapital @autismcapital on x
Has anyone in the history of ever asked for AI to be integrated into Google Maps? Why?
@exm7777 Machina on x
Google's domination starts with integrating Gemini deeply into their ecosystem it was kinda disappointing how they did it in Gmail, Docs, Sheets... but this is so good that's how they'll win the race
@google @google on x
Ask Maps is a new way to get answers to your complex, real-world questions with a simple conversation. Try asking things like: 🪫 “My phone is dying — where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” 🎾 “Is there a public tennis court with lights on that [vi…
@joxley.jmoxley.co.uk John Oxley on bluesky
“Where is Strait of Hormuz?” — “Strait of Hormuz how get around?” — “Strait of Hormuz, alternative?” [embedded post]
@caseynewton Casey Newton on bluesky
Statistically, at this very moment, there is now someone trying to initiate cybersex with Google Maps [embedded post]
r/Android r on reddit
How we're reimagining Maps with Gemini
@nihalmehta Nihal on x
Everyone debates “who has the best model.” Meanwhile Google is quietly playing a different game: own the chips own the infra own the apps own the users Full-stack AI = unfair compounding. We're starting to see the first flashes, like this game changer for maps! 👇🏾
@matthewdownhour Matthew Downhour on bluesky
A much cooler extension for maps would be a service where you can go to an area on maps, click a button, and it opens a chat with someone who lives there [embedded post]
r/Bard r on reddit
How we're reimagining Maps with Gemini
r/applemaps r on reddit
Google launches its Detailed Cities Experience in Maps

Chronicles

Google launches Ask Maps, a Gemini-powered conversational Google Maps feature that lets users ask “complex, real-world questions”, available in the US and India

Related Coverage

Discussion