Google updates Google Maps with new AI-driven features

Google is repositioning Google Maps from a navigation tool into a digital assistant through several AI-driven upgrades to its "Ask Maps" feature. The company aims to expand the application's utility to include decision-making support and task execution for daily activities.

Key updates include natural language processing, allowing users to search for locations or experiences using conversational dialogue. The AI can suggest nearby restaurants, compare hotel availability and pricing for travel planning, and even assist in food ordering through partnerships with platforms like Uber Eats, Toast, or Square.

A major component of the update is "Personal Intelligence," which, with user permission, can access data from Gmail and Google Calendar. This allows the system to proactively suggest hotels, transportation, or local events based on upcoming flight information or scheduled meetings found in a user's emails and calendar.