New Delhi. Google Maps will no longer be just a navigation app, but is moving towards becoming a smart platform that meets many of users’ everyday travel needs. Google has made several new changes to the Ask Maps feature, allowing users to easily search for hotels, choose restaurants, order food, and plan trips. According to the company, the new features will be available in India as well, and importantly, Indian users will be able to use Ask Maps in Hindi.

Ask Maps has been made more intelligent than before with the help of Gemini AI. Now, instead of simply asking for the name of a place, users can ask a complete question based on their needs. For example, if someone needs a restaurant on their route that offers quick food and vegetarian options, Ask Maps can find suitable options based on these criteria. The food ordering process can then be initiated if necessary. Currently, support for this is provided through a few partner platforms, and other services may be added in the future. However, the final payment will be made by the user.

The hotel search experience has also been significantly changed. Users can now obtain hotel information by specifying multiple criteria. For example, if they want a low-cost hotel near the airport, with a gym, and good restaurants nearby, Ask Maps can search for options based on all these requirements. Once they find a hotel, they can book a room through the relevant hotel website or booking partner. This can reduce the time spent searching for hotels based on multiple criteria by visiting multiple websites.

A feature called Personal Intelligence is also important in the new update. With user permission, Ask Maps can use their Gmail and, later, Google Calendar information. If a person’s email contains information to flight tickets, hotel bookings, or events, Maps can provide contextual suggestions for travel, routes, food, and places to visit. This feature is optional and is said to be off by default, meaning personal information will not be used without the user’s permission.

Ask Maps is now also gaining the ability to remember previous conversations. This will be especially beneficial for travel planners. If a user previously started a conversation about a trip and later closed the app, they can continue the conversation from the same point upon returning. This will reduce the need to re-enter all the information each time and could make the trip planning experience more seamless.

Google Maps has also received useful changes for public transport users. Live information on public transport services like buses, trains, metro, and ferries will now be more readily available. Users will be notified if a service is delayed or if a route changes. This could help daily commuters choose alternative routes.

The most significant update for India is Hindi language support. Indian users can now ask questions in Hindi to obtain information about hotels, restaurants, travel, and destinations. This expansion of Ask Maps takes Google Maps beyond a simple navigation app and into an AI-based travel assistant that understands user needs and facilitates multiple tasks in one place.