Google Maps Ask Maps expands to 130+ countries with agentic food ordering and hotel booking

Google on August 6, 2026 expanded its Gemini-powered Ask Maps feature to more than 130 countries and added agentic capabilities that let users order food, book hotels, and search for attractions directly within the chat interface. The update marks a significant step in Google's effort to embed conversational AI into its mapping service.

Ask Maps, which first launched in March 2026 in English, now reaches users across 130 additional countries and territories. The feature processes natural language requests and can complete transactions without leaving the app. Google said the expansion covers major markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Latin America and Africa.

Agentic capabilities go beyond search

The new agentic features allow Ask Maps to perform multi-step tasks. Users can say "order my usual from the Thai place" or "find a hotel near the concert venue with free parking" and the AI will handle the booking or order. The system integrates with Google's payment and reservation partners, including Google Pay and Google Travel.

• Food ordering: Ask Maps can place orders at supported restaurants using saved preferences and payment methods.
• Hotel booking: The assistant searches availability, compares prices, and completes reservations through linked travel accounts.
• Attraction searching: Users can ask for recommendations based on time of day, weather, or existing calendar events.
• Personal Intelligence: The feature factors in past searches, saved places, and Google Calendar events to tailor suggestions.
• Real-time transit: Ask Maps now provides live departure times and route adjustments within the chat.

The personal intelligence capability is particularly notable. It allows the assistant to reference a user's upcoming flight or dinner reservation when suggesting nearby attractions or optimal departure times. Google said the feature uses on-device processing for sensitive data where possible.

Competitive pressure in AI assistants

The expansion comes as Google faces intensifying competition from AI assistants like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, which have added location-aware features. By embedding transactional capabilities directly into Maps, Google aims to keep users within its ecosystem for both search and commerce. The move also positions Ask Maps as a direct competitor to specialized travel and food apps.

Google has not disclosed specific adoption numbers for Ask Maps since its March debut. The company said the feature will continue to roll out in additional languages and regions in the coming months. Developers and restaurant partners can integrate with the ordering system through Google's existing APIs. The update is available now for English-language users in the expanded regions, with more languages expected by the end of 2026.