Google is updating the Gemini-powered “Ask Maps” assistant in the Google Maps app with new “agentic” features. A key addition is the ability to order food directly in the app. Users can ask Ask Maps what they want and specify pickup timing, and the assistant searches for open restaurants along the user’s route that match the request. After the user selects a restaurant, Ask Maps can add the requested dish to the cart so the user can review the order and complete checkout. Food ordering begins rolling out using partners such as Square and Toast, with Uber Eats integration expected to arrive later.
The update also extends Ask Maps’ travel and planning abilities. It can look up hotel and event information, comparing prices in real time and checking availability, and suggests nearby things to do. For commuting, Google is adding live transit information through a transit widget that shows up-to-the-minute delays for buses, trains, subways, and ferries.
Google also expands Ask Maps availability to additional countries and territories, and includes options that let it use user context by connecting to Gmail (opt-in) and remembering prior conversations when history settings are enabled.
