Google Maps is Getting New Generative AI Features

Google announced today a series of generative AI updates for Google Maps and Google Earth. In the US, Google Maps users can now try a new AI search feature powered by Google Gemini, read AI-written review summaries, and more. These new AI features are rolling first on Android and iOS.

“People already turn to Maps to get ideas for places to go and things to do,” the Google Maps team said today. “Now, we’re making it even easier to get inspiration curated with Gemini: All you need to do is ask Maps.”

In practice, Google Maps users in the US can now search for things like “activities with friends at night,” and the app will offer suggestions curated by Google’s Gemini AI. Users can also use natural language prompts to ask Google Maps for specific details about a venue, such as the availability of outdoor seating. The app will also offer review summaries to see to highlight what users said about a location.

Google is also improving the driving experience in Google Maps with a revamped arrival guidance, the ability to explore along your route, and see and report weather disruptions. Next month, Google will also roll out an enhanced navigation experience that will display lanes, crosswalks and road signs more clearly in over 30 metro areas.

Lastly, Google is expanding the Immersive View 3D navigation feature in Google Maps to 150 cities globally and adding more details to Immersive View for routes. A new generative AI search feature is also coming to Google Earth to let urban planners ask more complex queries.