Ordering food and booking hotels: Google Maps transforms into a smart assistant

Google announced on Thursday a new suite of artificial intelligence-powered features for the “Ask Maps” function within the Google Maps app, expanding its traditional role in navigation to become a smart assistant capable of performing daily tasks such as ordering food, booking hotels, and finding event tickets, alongside providing personalized answers based on user data.

This move reflects Google’s strategy to transform Google Maps from a simple mapping and navigation application into a smart platform that helps users accomplish real-world tasks.

For example, a user can ask, “Where can I order a vegan avocado toast with an oat milk latte near home?” The app will then display nearby restaurants that offer these options.

After selecting a restaurant, users can tap the “Order Online” option to complete their order through supported platforms such as Square, Toast, and Uber Eats. Ask Maps adds the items to the shopping cart, allowing users to modify their order before proceeding to the service platform to finalize payment.

Users can also use the tool to find a suitable hotel for their trips. By entering a request such as “Find a highly rated and reasonably priced hotel near a conference taking place in downtown Miami next week, within walking distance of a gym and restaurants,” Ask Maps will compare prices and check room availability before presenting the best options, with the option to navigate to the partner’s website to complete the booking.

The additions are not limited to this; users can now also search for entertainment events, such as nearby comedy shows or concerts, with direct links provided to purchase tickets.

Google has also integrated the “Personal Intelligence” feature with Ask Maps, enabling the smart assistant to provide personalized answers based on user data stored in Gmail and Google Calendar.

For instance, a user can ask, “What time will I arrive in Vancouver on my next trip?” or “What are the best places to eat and activities near the hotel I’m staying at?” Ask Maps will then rely on travel and booking data found in emails and calendars to offer precise recommendations.

Another new addition is Ask Maps’ ability to remember previous conversations, allowing users to continue planning a trip or activity without having to restart their questions from the beginning.

For example, a user can ask, “What activities did you suggest to me previously during my trip to Seattle?” The smart assistant will then resume the conversation from where it left off.

Google has also launched a new tool for tracking public transportation directly within Ask Maps, providing users with real-time updates on delays and transit status as they change.

The company noted that the Personal Intelligence feature and the real-time transit tool will be available in all markets where Ask Maps is offered, while the launch of new transactional features, such as food ordering and hotel booking, will be limited to the United States in the initial phase.