Google Maps Adds Immersive Navigation and ‘Ask Maps’ Experience in the US

Google is reimagining how its popular Maps app works with a new Immersive Navigation experience in driving mode and a Gemini-powered ‘Ask Maps’ feature. The first one is starting to roll out in the US today, while the new conversational experience is launching first in the US and India.

Google described Immersive Navigation as its “biggest transformation of the navigation experience in over a decade,” with revamped visuals and better guidance thanks to Gemini models. Users can expect updated voice guidance, a new 3D view with smart zooms, and the integration of Street View imagery to help users see where they go after they park.

“Now, your map comes to life with a vivid 3D view that reflects the buildings, overpasses, and terrain around you,” said Miriam Daniel, VP & GM, Google Maps. “When it’s helpful, Maps will highlight critical road details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs to help you make that turn or merge confidently. This spatial understanding of your route is made possible with help from Gemini models, which analyze fresh, real world imagery from Street View and aerial photos to give you an accurate view of things along your route, like landmarks and medians.”

If you’re in the US, Immersive Navigation is rolling out now on iOS and Android, CarPlay, Android Auto, and cars with Google built-in. The new Ask Maps feature, however, may be even more transformative, with Google’s Gemini AI pulling data from live traffic, reviews, and users’ personal information to provide the most relevant recommendations.

In addition to providing directions, Ask Maps can take into account special considerations such as the need to find a charging station, a place with free entry tickets, and more. The conversational experience also lets users ask follow-up questions, and Ask Maps will dynamically update its recommendations.

“To build your itinerary, Maps analyzes information from over 300 million places, including reviews from our community of more than 500 million contributors. Your results are personalized based on things like places you’ve searched for or saved in Maps to help you get the most relevant recommendations,” Daniel explained.

With Immersive Navigation and Ask Maps, Google Maps is improving its driving experience faster than Waze, which is currently pretty light on AI features. The latest AI-related update I can find about Waze is the addition of a conversational reporting experience in October 2024.