News in Short

• Google Maps adds AI-powered food ordering and hotel booking.
• Ask Maps can now recommend and order meals through supported partners.
• New AI can access Gmail and Calendar for personalised travel assistance.
• Ask Maps now remembers previous conversations.
• Food ordering features are rolling out in the US.

Google is turning Maps into more than a navigation app. The company has introduced a new set of AI-powered features for Ask Maps that can help users order food, book hotels, discover events and even answer travel questions using information from Gmail and Google Calendar.

The update marks Google’s biggest step yet towards making Maps an AI assistant capable of completing real-world tasks instead of simply providing directions.

AI can now order your food

The biggest addition is agentic food ordering. Users can ask Ask Maps for specific meals, such as vegan breakfast options or nearby coffee, and the AI will recommend restaurants that match the request.

Once a restaurant is selected, users can tap the “Order online” option. Ask Maps then adds menu items to the cart through supported services including Square, Toast and Uber Eats before redirecting users to complete payment.

Hotel booking becomes easier

Google has also added hotel planning to Ask Maps.

Users can describe exactly what they want, such as a reasonably priced hotel near restaurants, gyms or conference venues. The AI compares prices, checks availability and recommends suitable options before directing users to partner websites for booking.

The feature also helps users discover concerts, comedy shows and other local events by providing ticket links directly within search results.

Maps now uses Gmail and Calendar

Google is also bringing Personal Intelligence to Ask Maps.

With user permission, the AI can access information from Gmail and Google Calendar to answer personalised travel questions. For example, it can tell users when their flight lands, recommend restaurants near their booked hotel or suggest activities based on their travel plans.

Google says Personal Intelligence is turned off by default, giving users full control over whether they want to share their personal information.

Smarter conversations and live transit updates

Ask Maps can now remember previous conversations, allowing users to continue planning trips without repeating earlier questions.

Google has also introduced a live transit widget that displays real-time updates about delays and changing public transport conditions.

The new food ordering and booking capabilities are rolling out to users in the US, while Personal Intelligence and the live transit widget will be available in all markets where Ask Maps is currently supported.