I tested Ask in Google Maps: It's the most important update in years

Google Maps really doesn't need an introduction. The app has been with us for over 20 years, doing a great job with location details and navigation. However, let's be honest: searching for places on Google Maps is quite limited. Most users search for specific names or use basic filters, which isn't always the most efficient way to find exactly what you need.

Earlier this year, Google launched Ask Maps globally, a feature that injects the Gemini AI model directly into the maps. This week, it arrived for a first trial for some users in Israel. After several days of experimentation, I believe it is the most important upgrade to Google Maps in recent years.

It doesn't search for words, it searches for what you need

The difference is felt from the first second: it doesn't look like a regular search, but rather a flowing chat with Gemini, live on the map. While the old system relied on tags and names, often missing great spots that lacked specific keywords, the new AI understands context and intent at a deep level.

Smart route stitching

Ask Maps utilizes all the information Google has: menus, web data, photos, videos, and reviews. It understands context and location without needing extra explanation. For example, a request like "I need to do some shopping before returning to school" immediately pulled up suitable chains and local stores. When I asked for "good coffee," the system autonomously filtered for cafes that roast their own beans (Specialty), ignoring kiosks that might have high ratings but mediocre products.

I was particularly impressed by the ability to stitch multiple tasks into one complex route. I asked to grab lunch, refuel, and do some supermarket shopping. Ask Maps didn't just throw three separate pins on the screen; it created a logical driving route and even suggested leaving the car at the gas station parking lot because the supermarket was just a minute's walk away. That is the most practical advice I've ever received.

What to do with the kids in Eilat in August?

To test its limits, I virtually "landed" in Eilat and formulated a challenging prompt: "Plan a half-day route with attractions for a 5-year-old, with suitable food and a budget of up to 200 shekels." Within seconds, I received a detailed route including a free birdwatching center and a restaurant that, according to reviews, provides coloring pages for kids. It even included navigation and cost estimates.

Digging into email

Google leverages its home advantage through seamless integration with Gmail and Calendar. I asked: "Before my next vacation, recommend a good sushi place near the hotel, within a 10-minute walk." The system accessed my booking confirmation, extracted the address, and located highly-rated sushi restaurants within the exact walking radius.

Google Maps is evolving from a passive app into an active, smart, and practical "Jarvis." It saves significant time by eliminating the need to switch between apps or read PDF menus. In the US, users can already book tables or order food delivery directly through Ask Maps. But the most impressive discovery for me? The system even knows Petah Tikva jokes.