Google Maps Gets Gemini: Instant Answers About Any Place

Google Maps is adding a new functionality called “Ask about the place,” which lets you access detailed information about businesses on Google Maps through Gemini.
To use this tool, users can open Google Maps and activate Gemini by saying “Hey Google” or pressing the power button long. A card labeled “Ask about place” will appear above the regular input box. Tapping on this card opens a window where users can ask specific questions about the selected location.
Gemini can give details such as opening hours, services offered, products sold, reviews, menu items, and other relevant information. The data comes from the Google Maps listing page but may also include insights from user reviews, such as pricing details.
In testing by our colleagues at ZDNet, Gemini was able to give an overview of a local restaurant’s cuisine and menu, its address and hours of operation, a summary of reviews, and even recommendations for dishes. This tool could make it easier for users to quickly gather information about businesses without navigating multiple pages. They also mentioned:
The card was available on every business type I tried—big box stores, local restaurants, independent craft studios, and more. All of this was information I could have found in the Maps listing on my own, but having Gemini compile it in one spot was pretty convenient and saved a good bit of time.
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