Google is expanding its AI-powered Ask Maps feature with new “agentic” capabilities that can complete multi-step tasks, including ordering takeaway food, finding available hotel rooms and suggesting nearby events.

Ask Maps, which was already available in select markets, is also expanding to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan and Mexico, alongside more than 150 countries and territories where it is offered in English.

The updated feature combines Google’s Gemini AI models with live mapping data to help users carry out tasks through conversational prompts.

“Building on this, we’re now making Ask Maps even more helpful with new agentic capabilities, real-time transit information, Personal Intelligence, and conversational contributions so you can get more done,” Google said in a blog post.

Users in the US can ask Maps to order specific dishes from restaurants along their route. The feature identifies participating restaurants, considers dietary preferences and saved places, and adds the selected items to the user’s cart. It is initially available through Square and Toast, with Uber Eats integration planned later.

Ask Maps can also help travellers search for accommodation based on hotel type, budget and proximity to facilities such as gyms and restaurants. It compares current room prices and availability and can recommend nearby concerts, comedy shows and other events, with links to buy tickets.

“Ask Maps compares real-time prices and checks availability for you so you can find the right spot. And if you need ideas for what to do nearby, Ask Maps will show you everything from concerts to comedy shows, complete with links for tickets,” Google said.

Users can choose to connect Ask Maps to Gmail, allowing it to use details such as flight schedules and hotel reservations when making recommendations. Google Calendar integration is expected later.

Google is also adding a virtual departure board with real-time updates for buses, trains, underground services and ferries. Waiting times will change automatically when delays occur.

The update will also allow users to contribute information conversationally or upload photographs of storefront signs. Ask Maps can extract details such as revised opening hours and local parking information from the images.

Live transit information, conversation-history recall and personalised responses are rolling out globally across supported markets. Food ordering, hotel search and conversational contributions will launch first in the US before expanding to other countries.