Google Maps integrates Ask Maps AI into route planning

Google is expanding Google Maps by embedding its Ask Maps AI directly into the navigation experience. The feature, first launched in March, leverages the Gemini AI model and Maps' knowledge base to answer travel‑related questions within the app.

Ask Maps now appears on the main screen and in the location list, offering prompts such as “Which route has the best scenery?” or “When should I depart to avoid traffic?” It is available for car, bicycle and walking modes, while public‑transport options are not yet supported. The rollout is still limited and under development, indicating Google’s aim to make Ask Maps a more interactive trip‑planning tool rather than just a place‑search service.