Google Maps is one of those apps that basically does everything I want it to: I punch in my destination, I’m guided to that destination, then I turn the app off. That’s not to say there’s zero room for improvement, of course. As such, it’s always intriguing whenever Google announces a new slew of features and changes for Maps. This time around, many of those changes just happen to be AI-powered.
Of course, everyone’s all-in on AI right now. And Google being Google, the company is using its AI platform, Gemini, to run some of these new features. Most are launching today, but some are also rolling out in the coming weeks. Here’s what’s new.
Google wants you to ask Gemini where to go
Rather than search for specific destinations, Google wants you to use its AI chatbot for advice on what to do. The company says you can ask Gemini things like “fun fall activities,” “interactive date ideas,” or “things to do on a relaxing Sunday,” and the bot will generate suggestions in Google Maps. I guess that saves you a trip to, um, Google. This feature is rolling out today.
Gemini will summarize all those reviews for you
Generating summaries is one of the features companies advertise most for their AI programs. Apple Intelligence summarizes your notifications, for example, while Google tries to summarize multiple sources into one AI-generated explanation—with sometimes disastrous results.
However, the company wants you to trust Gemini to summarize Google Maps reviews for you: Rather than sift through any number of reviews to determine whether a location is worth your time, Google’s view is you should glance at the Gemini summary to learn all you need to. If you want to see where it gets that summary from, you can always look at the reviews themselves.
Google continues to build AI features that generate information based on the work of others—whether that’s independent users reviewing a restaurant on Google Maps, or sources across the internet writing articles. This is a minor version of that, but it goes to show that AI-powered feature are often enabled by free participation from users, not by the companies themselves.
This feature launches today.
Check out more stops on your route
Google wants to make it easier to find interesting deviations on your current route: The company says things like “charming local cafes” and “quirky roadside attractions” will pop up if you swipe up on your route preview. If you see something you like, you can add it to your route. This feature also launches today.
Ask Gemini about your destination
You can also check in with Gemini with questions about your destination: That includes things like “are reservations recommended?” “what’s the parking situation?” or “is there indoor seating?” This is coming to Maps today, but will roll out to Search in general in the coming months.
Immersive View Expansion
Google is expanding the list of cities compatible with Immersive View: This feature uses AI to build a 3D image of a city from street view images, and has been slowly rolling out for about the past year and a half. Google says now, the feature is available in more than 100 cities, and will grow to 150 by the end of the year.
There’s also now Immersive View for routes, which will highlight things like parking lots, bike lanes, and difficult driving sections. You can pick a spot along your journey to investigate it further. This particular Immersive View feature rolls out Nov. 11.
In addition to Immersive View expansion, Google is also adding more details to general directions. You should know more about which lane you’re supposed to be in at any given time, which should reduce those times when you suddenly need to change lanes to make a turn or enter a freeway. That comes out next week.
Report hazards to Waze with your voice
This isn’t really about Google Maps, but Google owns Waze so I guess it makes the press release. In any case, this is probably the most useful new feature here. Waze now lets you report hazards on your route using your voice, which is a fantastic update. It never sat right with me that a feature meant for making driving safer required users to fiddle with their phones while driving. That said, you still need to interact with your phone for this feature, but you only need to tap the reporting button before speaking what you’re seeing. This option is launching in beta today, in English.
In addition to this Waze feature, Google Maps users will be able to report new types of weather disruptions, like flooded or low-visibility roads. That feature comes out next week in the US, India, Canada, and Australia.
Making it easier to know what to do when you’ve arrived
Google is working on new features for after you’ve reached your destination. Maps will light up your destination in the app and highlight available parking, as well as detailed instruction for getting to your destination once you leave your car. You’ll also see business information here, so you’ll know if your destination is open or closed by the time you get there. This feature is rolling out starting next week.
