August 12, 2026

SINGAPORE – Google Maps users here can now use the application as more than a navigation tool with the roll-out of its new Ask Maps feature, which taps agentic capabilities to help people with everyday tasks.

Ask Maps, which is built into Google Maps, was rolled out in the Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, on Aug 7.

The artificial intelligence-powered feature lets users ask real-world questions using natural language, such as “What time should I leave here to get to my lunch appointment at Wisma Atria at 2pm?”.

In a media statement on Aug 11, Google said its Ask Maps feature includes real-time updates on traffic and crowd statuses and personalised recommendations based on users’ prompts and past reviews.

Ask Maps can also offer nearby suggestions for various activities, such as comedy shows with links to purchase tickets online and vantage points from which to catch a glimpse of the sunset.

Asking specific questions, such as “Find the nearest halal eateries near me that are still open past 10pm”, will pull up a range of options.

The feature also acts as a travel planner, enabling users to view real-time hotel prices and availability and planning routes based on people’s indicated preferences. For instance, it can draw up an itinerary to explore cultural sites in a specific area within a timeframe.

Google has also added a “conversation memory” feature to Ask Maps, which lets users revisit earlier recommendations or continue planning trips by pulling up previous ideas.

Ask Maps will be gradually rolled out to all users on iOS, Android and desktop.

In a blog post on Aug 6, the search giant said that it was making Ask Maps – first rolled out to users in the US and India in March – “more helpful with new agentic capabilities, real-time transit information, personal intelligence and conversational contributions so you can get more done”.

Google added then that the feature would also be accessible in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan and Mexico, along with more than 150 countries and territories in English.