Google Maps is getting an AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature and an “immersive” navigation upgrade.

Google announced Thursday that Google Maps is bringing Gemini-powered conversational “Ask Maps” along with an updated “Immersive Navigation” experience that brings a 3D view, route details, natural voice guidance, and more to the app.

The new Ask Maps feature allows users to ask complex, realistic questions using natural language, such as “My phone is dying, where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” or “Is there a floodlit public tennis court I can play on tonight?”

The tech giant says the feature can also be used for quick trip planning. For example, you could ask: “I’m heading to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Coral Dunes. Are there any recommended stops along the way?” The maps will then give you directions, ETAs, and tips from real people, like how to find a hidden trail or get a free entry ticket.

Google said the Ask Maps app personalizes its answers using cues including places the user has searched for or saved to their account. So, if a user asks something like, “My friends are coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Is there anywhere comfortable with a table for four at 7 tonight?” Ask Maps may already know that the user prefers vegetarian restaurants and will suggest suitable options that offer vegetarian options.

Ask Maps is now rolling out in the US and India on Android and iOS. Google said the feature will be available on desktop soon.

As for the new “Immersive Navigation” update, the Maps application gets a 3D display that reflects nearby buildings, bridges, and terrain, similar to Apple Maps. The app will also highlight road details such as lanes, pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and stop signs.

In addition to the visual changes, Maps is getting more functionality designed to help drivers stay better informed on the road.

Maps now gives drivers a wider view of their route with intelligent zoom and transparent buildings to help them look ahead, prepare for tough turns and lane changes in advance.

Additionally, Google has updated its Maps voice guidance to sound more natural. For example, if you were to exit the interstate at two exits, you would now hear something like, “Go past this exit and take the next exit onto Illinois 43 South.”

Maps will now also explain trade-offs for alternative routes, such as a longer trip with less traffic or a faster trip that includes tolls. The app will also alert you to real-time disturbances along your route, such as road construction and accidents. These features will use data from the Google Maps and Waze communities.

Google also announced that before heading to your destination, you can preview it and its surroundings using Street View images and get recommendations on where to park. As you approach, Maps will highlight the building entrance, nearby parking, and which side of the street you should be on.

“Our team set out to redesign the driving experience with the goal of taking the guesswork out of trips,” Myriam Daniel, vice president of Google Maps, said at a press conference. “Immersive navigation is a complete transformation of the navigation experience. It has redesigned visuals, new real-world information delivered to you at the right time, and more intuitive guidance.”

The comprehensive navigation system begins rolling out across the U.S. today, with availability expanding over the coming months to include eligible iOS and Android devices, as well as CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google-built vehicles.

Thursday’s announcement comes as Google introduced Gemini into Maps late last year, allowing the AI ​​assistant to answer questions about places along the way, provide information on topics like sports or news, and add events to the calendar. I’ve also started using Gemini with Street View to improve navigation instructions by referencing nearby landmarks like gas stations, restaurants, or famous buildings instead of just distances.