Google’s Gemini AI technology has taken another step forward in Australia, with the local launch of ‘Ask Maps’, a feature that lets users interact with Google Maps conversationally.
Making interactions with technology feel more natural and conversational has been one of the main goals of tech companies’ generative AI explorations so far. Instead of using specific language, clicking or tapping in certain sequences, the aim is to make interacting feel like chatting with another person.
Ask Maps is Google’s latest attempt at this approach, infusing more of its Gemini platform with the widely used maps app. It’s also another string to the company’s ‘Personal Intelligence’ bow, which fetches information from multiple Google apps (like Gmail and Photos) to answer queries.
Rolling out in Australia now in English to begin with, Ask Maps lets users type or speak questions within Google Maps. An example from Google involved asking for ferry timetables with views of the Sydney Opera House. The app then showed a list of ferry times, including recent delays and stop closures.
Tapping into Personal Intelligence, Ask Maps can also factor in details from other apps, like flight bookings in your calendar or Gmail inbox. Based on another example from Google, the feature suggests what time to leave, and any recommendations of what to see and do beforehand.
Akin to other chatbot-like interfaces, similar to Apple’s Siri AI update, Ask Maps also saves previous interactions for future reference.
Australia’s launch of the feature coincides with the US gaining a food-ordering feature in Google Maps. While that specific feature isn’t available locally yet, it’s an indication of what’s on the horizon.
As Ask Maps rolls out in Australia, it’ll be available to try as an option below the search bar.
The post Ask Maps gives Aussies real-time info via Gemini chatbot interface appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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