Google Maps goes beyond navigation with AI-powered food orders, hotel bookings

Google Maps is expanding far beyond navigation, with new artificial intelligence-powered features that can help users order food, compare and book hotels, discover local events and plan trips without leaving the app.

Google recently added a range of new capabilities to its “Ask Maps” feature, powered by its Gemini AI model, turning the mapping service into a more comprehensive digital travel and lifestyle assistant.

One of the biggest additions allows users to order food directly through Google Maps. Instead of searching individual restaurants, users can describe their preferences, dietary requirements or the type of food they want in a chat. Maps can then identify suitable nearby restaurants and recommend relevant dishes.

The food-ordering feature is initially being rolled out through restaurant technology platforms such as Square and Toast, with Uber Eats set to join the service soon. Once users select a dish, it can be added directly to a cart, leaving them to review the order and complete the payment.

Google Maps is also making hotel searches more interactive. Users can specify factors such as their budget, room requirements or nearby attractions, and the AI will identify suitable hotels while checking real-time prices and availability. Once a hotel is selected, users can complete the booking through the relevant partner website.

The upgraded Maps will also help users discover live events, including concerts, shows and exhibitions. Based on a user's interests and location, Maps can compile relevant events and provide links to purchase tickets.

Another major addition is “Personal Intelligence”, which can connect Google Maps with services such as Gmail and Google Calendar, subject to user permission. This allows Maps to identify information such as upcoming flights and hotel reservations and provide reminders. It can also use that information to help create personalised travel itineraries.

The Personal Intelligence feature will be disabled by default, with users required to activate it themselves.

Google has also introduced a new live transit widget that provides real-time information on buses, trains and other public transportation, including schedules, delays and service updates.

The new features are initially being introduced in the United States, with Google planning to expand them to countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan and Mexico.

The rollout comes as Google prepares to phase out Google Assistant on Android in September, with Gemini increasingly taking over as the company's primary AI assistant. The latest Maps update reflects Google's broader push to integrate Gemini into everyday services and turn its apps from information tools into AI-powered task assistants.