On Thursday, Google unveiled a new conversational "Ask Maps" feature powered by Gemini and an upgraded "Immersive Navigation" experience for Google Maps. The update introduces a 3D view, detailed road information, natural voice guidance, and other enhancements to the app.

The "Ask Maps" feature allows users to ask complex, real-world questions using natural language. Examples include queries like, "My phone is dying, where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee," or "Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight."

Google states this feature can also assist with trip planning. For instance, a user could ask, "I’m headed to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Coral Dunes, any recommended stops along the way." Maps would then provide directions, estimated arrival times, and tips from real people, such as how to find a hidden trail or obtain a free entry ticket.

According to Google, Ask Maps personalizes its responses using signals like places a user has previously searched for or saved. So if someone asks, "My friends are coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Any cozy spots with a table for four at 7 tonight," the feature might already know the user prefers vegan restaurants and suggest convenient options with vegan choices.

Ask Maps is now rolling out in the U.S. and India on Android and iOS. Google confirmed the feature will be available on desktop soon.

Regarding the new "Immersive Navigation" update, Maps is gaining a 3D view that displays nearby buildings, overpasses, and terrain, similar to Apple Maps. The app will also highlight road details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs.

Beyond visual improvements, Maps is adding functionality designed to help drivers stay better informed. The app now offers a broader view of the route through smart zooms and transparent buildings, allowing drivers to look ahead and prepare for tricky turns and lane changes in advance.

Additionally, Google has updated Maps' voice guidance to sound more natural. For example, if you need to get off the highway in two exits, you might now hear, "Go past this exit and take the next one for Illinois 43 South."

Maps will now also explain the trade-offs for alternate routes, such as choosing a longer trip with less traffic versus a faster one that includes a toll. The app will alert users to real-time disruptions along their route, like road construction and crashes. These features will utilize data from both the Google Maps and Waze communities.

Google also announced that users can preview their destination and its surroundings using Street View imagery before heading out, along with parking recommendations. As you approach, Maps will highlight the building’s entrance, nearby parking, and which side of the street to be on.

"Our team set out to redesign the driving experience with the objective of taking the guesswork out of trips," said Miriam Daniel, VP of Google Maps, in a briefing with reporters. "Immersive navigation is a complete transformation of the navigation experience. It’s got redesigned visuals, fresh real-world information that’s brought to you just in time, and more intuitive guidance."

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.

This announcement follows Google's integration of Gemini into Maps late last year, which allowed the AI assistant to answer questions about places along a route, provide information on topics like sports or news, and add events to a calendar. It also began using Gemini with Street View to improve navigation instructions by referencing nearby landmarks like gas stations, restaurants, or famous buildings instead of relying solely on distances.