Ask Maps, the Gemini-powered conversational layer baked into Google Maps, started rolling out in March and is now expanding globally, with Australia among the first wave of new markets to receive it in English.
It’s a significant change from simply typing a suburb and tapping directions as you can now have a proper back-and-forth conversation with Maps, ask follow-up questions, and get answers that factor in your real-world context.
The feature sits just below the search bar and lets you ask the kinds of things you’d normally ask a local friend. Want a restaurant where you can actually hear your mates talk? Ask Maps will filter by noise level. Planning a three-hour scenic motorcycle ride out of Sydney? It’ll map one out. The latest update also integrates Ask Maps directly into route planning, with conversational AI suggestions appearing when you search for driving, walking, or cycling directions or things like “What’s the most scenic route?” popping up as quick prompts (Ubergizmo).
And then there is the live transit board. Rather than manually checking ferry or train times separately, you can ask something like “Is there a ferry to Taronga Zoo with views of the Opera House? When’s the next one?” and see all your options in one place, including live delay alerts. If you’re driving, Ask Maps will flag real-time disruptions along your route like crashes or road works rather than waiting until you’re already stuck in them.
The Personal Intelligence feature is where it gets interesting from a privacy standpoint. You can optionally connect Ask Maps to Gmail, and soon Google Calendar, so it can factor in your upcoming flights, hotel bookings, or dinner reservations without you having to explain your plans from scratch every time. The example Google gives is a useful one: ask Maps for ideas near your hotel before a morning flight and it’ll pull your hotel from Gmail, suggest nearby spots, and even remind you when to leave for the airport. Connecting your apps is off by default so it means you’re actively opting in rather than discovering your inbox is already being read. It’s great for those who honour privacy above all else.
Ask Maps also now remembers past conversations, so you can pick up where you left off. If you were planning a trip to Melbourne last week, you can just ask “What activities did you suggest for my weekend in Melbourne?” and it’ll surface those ideas again without you having to start from scratch.
From what I can see, the Gmail integration is the feature I’m most curious to test properly. The idea of Maps knowing I have a 7am flight and suggesting I leave the hotel at 5:30am without me having to ask sounds pretty useful, not just AI for the sake of it.
Ask Maps is available now in Australia through the Google Maps app on Android and iOS in English. No special settings required. Just look for the Ask Maps button below the search bar.
About Michael Aulia
Owner of CravingTech.com, Michael is a tech enthusiast who blends a love for gadgets with a passion for gaming. He has been in the IT industry and reviewing consumer products for more than 20 years.
With insightful articles and professional reviews, he navigates the digital landscape, offering expertise on consumer electronics and gaming trends.
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