Google announced on Thursday that Google Maps is introducing a Gemini-powered conversational \u201cAsk Maps\u201d feature along with an updated \u201cImmersive Navigation\u201d experience that brings a 3D view, road details, natural voice guidance, and more to the app. <\/p>\n
The new \u201cAsk Maps\u201d feature lets users ask complex, real-world questions using natural language, such as \u201cMy phone is dying, where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?\u201d or \u201cIs there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
The tech giant says the feature can also be used to quickly plans trips. For example, you could ask: \u201cI\u2019m headed to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Coral Dunes, any recommended stops along the way?\u201d Maps will then give you directions, ETAs, and tips from real people, like how to find a hidden trail or get a free entry ticket.<\/p>\n Ask Maps personalizes its answers using signals including places a user has searched for or saved to their account, Google said. So if a user asks something like, \u201cMy friends are coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Any cozy spots with a table for four at 7 tonight?\u201d Ask Maps may already know the user prefers vegan restaurants and will suggest convenient options that offer vegan choices.<\/p>\n Ask Maps is rolling out now in the U.S. and India on Android and iOS. The feature will be available on desktop soon, Google said.<\/p>\n As for the new \u201cImmersive Navigation\u201d update, Maps is getting a 3D view that reflects nearby buildings, overpasses, and terrain, similar to Apple Maps. The app will also highlight road details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs. <\/p>\n In addition to the visual changes, Maps is getting more functionality that\u2019s designed to help drivers stay better informed on the road.<\/p>\n Techcrunch event<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSan Francisco, CA<\/span> Maps now gives drivers a broader view of their route through smart zooms and transparent buildings to help them look ahead and prepare for tricky turns and lane changes in advance.<\/p>\n Additionally, Google has updated Maps\u2019 voice guidance to sound more natural. For example, if you\u2019re getting off the highway in two exits, you will now hear something like, \u201cGo past this exit and take the next one for Illinois 43 South.\u201d<\/p>\n Maps will now also explain the trade-offs for alternate routes, such as a longer trip with less traffic or a faster one that includes a toll. The app will also alert you to real-time disruptions along your route, such as road construction and crashes. These features will use data from both the Google Maps and Waze communities. <\/p>\n Google also announced that before you head to your destination, you can preview it and its surroundings using Street View imagery and get recommendations on where to park. As you get closer, Maps will highlight the building\u2019s entrance, nearby parking, and which side of the street to be on.<\/p>\n \u201cOur team set out to redesign the driving experience with the objective of taking the guesswork out of trips,\u201d said Miriam Daniel, VP of Google Maps, in a briefing with reporters. \u201cImmersive navigation is a complete transformation of the navigation experience. It\u2019s got redesigned visuals, fresh real-world information that\u2019s brought to you just in time, and more intuitive guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n Immersive Navigation begins rolling out across the U.S. today, with availability expanding over the coming months to eligible iOS and Android devices, as well as CarPlay, Android Auto, and vehicles with Google built-in.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-3.25.33-PM.png?w=680\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 13-15, 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-3.26.49-PM.png?w=320\")