Google Maps expands 'Ask Maps' with food ordering and hotel booking
Google has announced new agentic capabilities for 'Ask Maps', including food ordering, hotel booking, and personalized recommendations based on Gmail and Calendar data.
Google announced on Thursday that its "Ask Maps" feature is getting several new agentic abilities, transforming Google Maps from a navigation tool into an assistant that helps users complete real-world tasks. These include ordering food, booking hotels, and finding event tickets.
Food ordering
Users can ask questions like, "Where can I order vegan avocado toast and an oat milk latte near home?" The tool will then show nearby restaurants that match the request. After choosing a restaurant, users can tap the "Order online" option to place an order through supported platforms such as Square, Toast, or Uber Eats. "Ask Maps" will add items to the cart, and users can pay on the chosen platform.
Hotels and events
To find accommodation, users can type a query such as, "For next weekend's conference in downtown Miami, find me a decently priced, top-rated hotel with an artsy vibe within walking distance from a gym and restaurants." The feature will compare prices and check availability before providing a list of options. Users can then click through to the partner's website to complete the booking. Additionally, questions like "what are some comedy shows or live music this evening near work" will return a list of options with links to buy tickets.
Personal Intelligence
The new "Personal Intelligence" capability lets "Ask Maps" draw on information from a user's Gmail and Google Calendar to give personalized answers. For instance, users can ask about flight arrival times or request restaurant recommendations near their hotel. This feature is off by default. "Ask Maps" will also remember previous conversations, enabling users to pick up where they left off, such as asking for suggested activities for a planned trip.
Live transit widget and rollout
A new live transit widget will provide real-time updates on delays and conditions. "Personal Intelligence" and the widget are rolling out in all markets where "Ask Maps" is available, while the agentic features (food ordering, hotel booking, and event tickets) are initially launching for users in the U.S.
