Google Maps is getting its biggest update in over a decade, combining maps with Gemini, Google’s large language model (LLM). Immersive Navigation and Ask Maps enable users to find real-time solutions from millions of reviews and contributors while on the road.
Maps That Can Do More
Immersive Navigation is a new 3D view that features buildings, overpasses, and terrain. It can even highlight crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs to help with merging or turning.
Other helpful features from the update include:
- Planning your next move with a broader view of your route. Smart zooming, transparent buildings, and a more natural-sounding voice guidance help navigate next steps well in advance.
- Learn about alternate routes and tradeoffs with real-time traffic updates, including disruptions, tolls, construction, and crashes.
- Preview your destination with Street View imagery, which highlights parking, building entrances, and which side of the street to be on.
Ask Maps
Another cool update is Ask Maps, which lets users ask detailed questions that would otherwise require research. For example, you can ask, “My phone is dying — where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” The app’s answer will include a customized map with available options.
Ask Maps could be especially helpful when planning trips. In addition to directions, ETAs, insider tips, restaurant reservations, and personalized recommendations, it also allows saving and sharing to a list.
Both Immersive Navigation and Ask Maps are rolling out now. Immersive Navigation will be expanding to CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in in the coming months.
