Andy Walker / Android Authority
TL;DR Google is preparing to launch Ask Maps, a Gemini-powered conversational feature accessible via a chip on the main map screen.
A new “Try new features” section has been discovered in the Google Maps settings, allowing users to opt into this AI experiment.
Experimental features appear to have a limited capacity initially.
Google is aggressively integrating Gemini into practically all of its services. Back in October last year, we spotted Google working on a new “Ask Maps” chip within Google Maps (not to be confused with the “Ask Maps about this listing” feature). Now, Google seems to be preparing to let users try out the feature within Google Maps.
Ask Maps is a new chip that will be available on the main Google Maps map screen. As we revealed last year, tapping the chip will open a Gemini-like conversation screen, with suggestions to help users get started with using Gemini within Google Maps.
Within Google Maps v26.07.01.867227976, we’ve managed to activate a new “Try new features” section in the app settings. In this new section, Ask Maps is listed as a feature, described as a way to “Turn ideas into adventures with help from Gemini models.”
The “Try it” button opens the bottom sheet on the Google Maps’ main map screen. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the feature to work on this screen right now, though you can check out our previous coverage for the results page.
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