Google Maps rolling out conversational ‘Ask Maps’ chat

Google Maps today announced “Ask Maps” to answer your “complex, real-world questions a map could never answer before.”

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“Ask Maps” is accessed as a button underneath the search bar. It brings a chatbot-like sheet that prompts you to “Ask anything, about anywhere.” After the greeting, you’ll see suggested prompts. You can ask detailed questions like:

• “My phone is dying — where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” — Google might suggest a library

• “I’m headed to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Coral Dunes — any recommended stops along the way?” — This returns “clear directions, ETAs, and insider tips from real people, like how to find a hidden hiking trail or get a free entry ticket.”

• “Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?”

• “My friends are coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Any spots with a cozy aesthetic and a table for 4 at 7 tonight?” 

Replies make use of digestible bullet points and there’s full support for follow-up queries. When trip planning, you’ll get day-by-day breakdowns. Responses show a “customized map to help you visualize your options,” while inline listings include key details and images. You can quickly start navigation and bookmark locations. 

Personalized recommendations might take into account places you’ve searched for or saved in Google Maps. In the case of restaurants, there’s inline booking. 

Google is tapping into “fresh information about the world to show you everything you need to know before you go” and saves you from sifting through reviews. This includes 300 million place listings and reviews from over 500 million contributors.  

Ask Maps is rolling out now to the US and India on Google Maps for Android and iOS, with desktop support “coming soon.”