Google Maps adds Gemini-powered ordering and a first dining list
AI summary
Google is widening the Gemini-powered Ask Maps conversational tool so diners can place orders through Square and Uber Eats, not just the previously named partner Toast. Google also published its first fan-favorite dining list, compiling Maps search trends across 10 cities — Atlanta, Chicago, London, Melbourne, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, Santiago, Seattle and Tokyo — including a 216% rise in trending interest for cheeseburgers in Tokyo, 78% for the Michelada in Santiago and 75% for Ube in Melbourne (Google's own figures).
In-depth insight
Folding food ordering into Maps and its Gemini chat assistant turns search traffic into transactions and puts more pressure on review platforms such as Yelp.