On Thursday, Google announced a new set of AI-powered features for its Ask Maps function within the Google Maps app. These features expand beyond its traditional role as a navigation tool, transforming it into a smart assistant capable of performing everyday tasks such as ordering food, booking hotels, and finding event tickets, while also providing personalized answers based on user data. This move reflects Google's strategy to transform Google Maps from a simple mapping and navigation app into a smart platform that helps users accomplish tasks in the real world.The new features allow users to order food directly through Ask Maps, according to a report by TechCrunch. For example, a user could ask, "Where can I order vegan avocado toast with an oat milk latte near my home?", and the app would then display nearby restaurants offering these options.After selecting the restaurant, you can click on the “Order Online” option to complete the order through supported platforms such as (Square), (Toast) and (Uber Eats), where “Ask Maps” adds the products to the shopping cart, with the possibility of modifying the order before moving to the service platform to complete the payment process.Users can also use the tool to find a suitable hotel for their trips. When entering a request such as, “Find a highly rated, reasonably priced hotel near a conference taking place in downtown Miami next week, within walking distance of a gym and restaurants,” Ask Maps will compare prices and check room availability before displaying the best options, with the possibility of going to the partner’s location to complete the booking.