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Google Maps continues to evolve, making the process of finding local businesses faster and easier. A new feature integrated with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, allows users to ask detailed questions about businesses directly from the Maps app. This innovation is designed to enhance the user experience by providing instant, AI-powered responses. In this article, weāll dive into how the “Ask about place” feature works and why it might just be the next big thing for Google Maps users.
What is the Ask About Place Feature?
The latest addition to Google Maps lets users ask specific questions about businesses, with answers powered by Gemini. When you tap on a business listing in Maps, a new “Ask about place” card appears above the search box. This feature allows you to ask questions related to a business, and Gemini will respond using the information available in the Maps listing.
How Does It Work?
To use this feature, simply open Google Maps and select a business listing. Next, open Gemini by saying “Hey Google” or through the usual method you use to access the assistant. A card titled “Ask about place” will appear above the input box. Tapping on this card opens a new window where you can ask specific questions about the business.
What Can You Ask Gemini?
Once the feature is activated, users can ask Gemini various questions about the business, such as:
– Opening and closing times
– Available services
– Menu items or product details
– Reviews and customer feedback
– Price details (if included in reviews)
These answers are generated based on information pulled from the business’s Google Maps listing, rather than the official website. This makes the process of gathering business details simpler and quicker, without the need to browse multiple sources.
Testing the Feature: A Real-World Experience
During testing, I accessed the “Ask about place” feature on a local restaurantās Google Maps listing. Upon asking Gemini for details about the restaurant, I received a comprehensive overview of the menu, cuisine, address, hours, and even some recommendations based on customer reviews.
Interestingly, this feature worked seamlessly across various types of businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and independent craft studios. Though this information could also be found by manually browsing the Maps listing, having Gemini compile everything into one spot was an undeniable time-saver.
What Undercode Says:
The “Ask about place” feature adds another layer of convenience to the already well-established Google Maps experience. While many users are accustomed to finding business details manually through Maps, Geminiās AI-driven responses streamline the process. This integration shows the growing role of AI in everyday applications, as Google continues to embed its Gemini assistant into more of its services.
However, while the feature is helpful, there are limitations. The information retrieved is solely from Google Maps listings, which may not always be 100% up-to-date or accurate. Users still need to exercise caution when relying on AI-generated responses, especially for specifics like pricing or inventory, which can change frequently. Despite this, the ability to get quick, synthesized information without switching between tabs or websites is a major plus.
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Incorporating AI into Google Maps in this manner reflects the broader trend of enhancing user experiences by integrating technology that understands context and delivers tailored responses. While the full impact of this feature remains to be seen, it is clear that Google is actively improving the utility of its apps with smarter, faster, and more intuitive solutions.
A Deeper Look at the Role of AI in Business Discovery
AI is increasingly transforming how people interact with digital services. In the case of Google Maps, the integration of Gemini is a natural extension of the growing reliance on AI to assist with everyday tasks. Not only does this add convenience, but it also introduces a new dynamic in the way businesses connect with customers. With features like “Ask about place,” businesses can be discovered more easily, potentially leading to increased traffic and engagement.
Furthermore, businesses need to ensure that their Google Maps listings are as accurate and comprehensive as possible, as this is the source of the information that Gemini will use to respond to customer inquiries. The clearer and more detailed a listing is, the better the AI will be able to assist users. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date information, especially for time-sensitive details like business hours or menu offerings.
Fact Checker Results:
- Geminiās Integration with Google Maps: Verified. The “Ask about place” feature does exist and is tied to Googleās AI assistant, Gemini.
- Information Sources: Accurate. Answers provided by Gemini are drawn from the Google Maps business listing, not external websites.
- Feature Availability: Confirmed. This feature has been rolled out across various types of businesses and works on both large and small listings.
References:
Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/you-can-ask-google-maps-questions-now-thanks-to-gemini/
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