Google Maps may soon let you chat to find places and routes more easily

Maps

• Google Maps testing Gemini-powered Ask Maps for conversational queries
• Feature may let users ask for specific info like quiet cafes or best routes
• Ask Maps is still in development with no official rollout date yet

Did our AI summary help?

Google Maps has quietly evolved over the years. What started as a simple navigation tool is now something most of us rely on daily  whether it’s checking traffic before leaving home, discovering new restaurants nearby, or figuring out the fastest way to avoid a jam-packed road. But now, Google may be preparing to take things a step further.

According to a new report by Android Authority, Google is working on a Gemini-powered feature that could let users “chat” directly with Google Maps. The feature is reportedly called Ask Maps, and while it is still under development, it hints at a much more interactive future for the app.

Instead of typing basic keywords into the search bar and scrolling through results, users may soon be able to ask Maps questions in a more natural, conversational way. The report suggests that Google is testing a Gemini-style chat interface built right into the app. Once available, users might see a small chip labelled “Ask Maps” near the search bar. Tapping on it would open a chatbot-like window where questions can be typed and answered instantly.

The idea is simple but powerful. Rather than searching “cafes near me” and then manually filtering through ratings, distance and reviews, you could ask something more specific like, “Find less crowded cafes nearby,” or “Show me quiet places to work with Wi-Fi.” Similarly, instead of comparing multiple routes yourself, you could ask, “Which route has fewer tolls?” or “What’s the fastest way with the least traffic right now?”

Because the feature is said to be powered by Gemini — Google’s AI model — the responses could be more context-aware and detailed than traditional search results. It may combine real-time traffic data, location information, business listings and user reviews to give smarter answers. In short, Maps could move from being a tool you search through to one you actually talk to.

This wouldn’t be the first time Google has integrated Gemini into its products. The company has already been expanding AI features across its apps, and bringing that conversational layer to Maps seems like a logical next step.

That said, Ask Maps is still reportedly in development, which means there’s no official rollout date yet. Features being tested don’t always make it to the final version, or they may launch in limited regions first.

Still, if this feature does roll out widely, it could change how we use navigation apps. Instead of tapping and filtering through endless options, finding what you need might soon feel as simple as asking a question — and getting a smart answer back.