Google is entering a new era of localized search with the rollout of its latest feature integrating AI Gemini into Google Maps, enabling users to ask tailored questions about specific places. Initiated on March 25, 2025, this innovative addition aims to transform how users gather information about businesses and attractions in their vicinity.
The new feature introduces an 'Ask about place' chip in the Google Maps app, which users can engage by simply tapping on a business listing. For instance, curious customers can ask if their favorite coffee shop offers gluten-free pastries or what dishes are recommended at a local restaurant. As soon as users activate Gemini, they can witness the emergence of this contextual awareness capability that enhances their inquiries in a more conversational manner.
According to reports, "By tapping it, users can query information about restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions—ranging from what’s on the menu to what products are in stock.” Users have shared early experiences, noting the ease of accessing detailed information that would typically require time-consuming searches elsewhere. This integration appears particularly effective for users looking for specific responses rather than broader queries.
To utilize the 'Ask about place' option, a user simply needs to open the Google Maps app, find a location of interest, and summon Gemini—either by voice command or through a gesture. When using the feature, recommendations might include questions concerning menu offerings, operating hours, services provided, and more. The AI is capable of accessing relevant information seamlessly, sometimes directly pulling from the Google Maps listing or utilizing common web searches for more nuanced details.
However, while this feature shows promise in providing local insights, reports indicate that it may not yet function effectively for more general inquiries. For example, broader questions—such as "What are the best restaurants in Prague?"—can lead to unsatisfactory or vague responses, suggesting that users should focus on specific places for a better experience. "The feature works best when asking about individual places rather than broader areas," advised those testing the rollout.
The testing phase has shown that the feature, although not universally available at this moment, garners positive feedback regarding its functionality. One tester noted, "The new feature is not yet available to everyone, but those who have been able to test it say that it works surprisingly well," highlighting the excitement surrounding this advancement.
Gemini’s design allows for engaging interactions, enabling users to ask follow-up questions within the same prompt after receiving an initial response. Notably, "Gemini does allow follow-up questions within the same prompt using Ask about place," helping to refine answers based on user inquiries and interest levels.
Nonetheless, despite its innovative nature, there are mentioned limitations. Gemini may struggle with specific point-to-point navigation if the queried location isn't readily recognized or lacks sufficient detail. Users reported that the new feature predominantly caters to select, well-known sites rather than every single point of interest, which can limit the breadth of inquiries that can be effectively answered.
In ongoing developments, it appears that the feature is rolling out first to a select audience, particularly Gemini Advanced users, indicating a staggered approach to its wider release. Overall, it may take several weeks before the feature is available to the general user base. Nonetheless, as Google refines this integration with Maps, the potential for improving how individuals seek information about their surroundings seems promising.
With Google constantly updating Gemini's capabilities, the company appears committed to simplifying the experience of gathering information through its products. This new feature, which offers contextually aware answers directly within a user-friendly interface, could usher in significant changes in how people navigate the world around them, making daily decisions based on instantaneous, conversational insights.
