Google Maps Unleashes AI-Powered Task-Completing Capabilities

Google Maps has undergone a significant update, incorporating AI-driven tools into its Ask Maps feature. This expansion moves the app beyond simple navigation, enabling users to perform complex tasks with ease.

The update introduces agentic functionality, allowing Ask Maps to carry out multi-step tasks on behalf of the user. For instance, asking for spicy pad kee mao to pick up on the way home will result in restaurant options being displayed along the route, with the dish added directly to a cart ready for checkout.

Food ordering is currently live in the United States through point-of-sale partners Square and Toast, with Uber Eats integration confirmed as coming soon. Google is co-developing a Universal Commerce Protocol for Food with partners to expand this feature further over time.

The update also includes hotel search capabilities, allowing users to take a detailed brief (budget, neighbourhood, proximity to a gym, etc.) and compare real-time prices and availability. Local event discovery, with ticketing links, is included in the same update.