Google Maps Introduces Four New Features Including Gemini-Powered Tips and Anonymous Reviews

Google Maps Will Let You Hide Your Identity When Writing Reviews

(Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Four new features are coming to Google Maps, including a way to hide your identity in reviews. Maps will soon let you use a nickname and select an alternative profile picture for online reviews, so you can rate a business without linking it to full name and Google profile photo. Google says it will monitor for "suspicious and fake reviews," and every review is still associated with an account on Google's backend, which it believes will discourage bad actors. Look for a new option under Your Profile that says Use a custom name & picture for posting. You'll then be able to pick an illustration to represent you and add a nickname. Google didn't explain why it is introducing anonymous reviews; it pitched the idea as a way to be a business's "Secret Santa." Some users are nervous to publicly post reviews for local businesses as it may be used to track their location or movements. It may encourage more people to contribute honest feedback to its platform, for better or worse. Google Maps is also expanding its Explore tab to better recommend activities nearby. "Swipe up to see trending and popular restaurants, activities and sights near you -- from the cozy cafe that just opened down the street or a quirky art gallery around the corner," Google says. Both features will arrive before the end of November. The expanded Explore tab is coming to Android and iOS, while nicknames will also be available on the desktop version of Maps. In the US, Google is also introducing more AI-powered features with what it calls "Know before you go" tips. It uses Gemini AI to pull together reviews, listings, and other information about a business or attraction to give you three bullet points of useful tips. An example shows Gemini suggesting, "People say the $33 omakase is worth it" or "it's walk-in only, so head over early." Google says it will include parking recommendations, secret menu items, and more. This feature is beginning to roll out now across Android and iPhone. If you have an electric vehicle, Google Maps will soon predict whether a charger will be available when you arrive at a station, an expansion of AI tools that notify you of chargers along a route. Google says it's "using AI to analyze historical and real-time charger availability to predict how many chargers are likely to be free once you're there, helping you avoid lines and save time." The feature is coming to Android Auto and Android Automotive-compatible cars around the world starting next week.

Google Maps is getting four new features that make it better than ever

Users will soon be able to use a nickname and profile picture when posting reviews for better privacy. Google is announcing several new features coming to Google Maps, mixing in AI in more places for a better user experience. Most of these features are designed to help you make a better-informed decision, but one of them is also intended to better protect your privacy. When you search for places like restaurants, hotels, or concert venues in Google Maps, you will find a new section housing "know before you go" tips within the listing. Google Maps will utilize Gemini to scour through reviews and online information to surface top insights, such as the best way to book a reservation, secret menu items, parking tips, and more. Users can click on each tip to access more information. These insider tips are rolling out in the US on Android and iOS. Google Maps' Explore tab is a great way to explore a new city or town, and it's now getting updated to help you find what's trending in the moment nearby. Users can swipe up on the Explore tab within Google Maps to see trending and popular restaurants, activities, and sights near you. They can also find curated lists from trusted sources, such as Viator, Lonely Planet, and OpenTable, as well as local influencers like Sisterssnacking, helping them discover their new favorite spot in locations both new and old. The updated Explore tab will start rolling out globally on Android and iOS this month. Google Maps already shows charger availability from networks like Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America. However, there are situations where the charger may become occupied by the time you arrive, especially if a location is popular enough or a peak-hour rush is approaching. To counter this, Google Maps will now predict how many chargers will likely be available upon your arrival. To access this feature, simply search for "EV chargers" in Google Maps, and the app will analyze historical and real-time charger availability to predict charger availability, helping you avoid lines and save time. EV charger availability predictions start rolling out next week on Android Auto and cars with Google built-in. The feature will work for hundreds of thousands of charging stations worldwide. Google Maps users can now choose a nickname and profile picture to be associated with reviews, in case they prefer not to use their real name. Reviews are still associated with your Google Account behind the scenes, and Google says that it will continue to monitor for suspicious and fake reviews. Nicknames and profile photos will be rolling out globally on Google Maps this month across Android, iOS, and desktop.

Google Maps Getting Gemini AI Tips, EV Charger Predictions, and Anonymous Reviews

Google today announced several new features that are coming to the Google Maps app, including Gemini-powered tips, trending places, and estimates on EV charger availability. When searching for places in the Google Maps app like restaurants or hotels, there's now a "Know Before You Go" section that's powered by Gemini. The section provides tips on what to expect, pulling information from user reviews and other online content. It can include tips on how to book a reservation, what the secret menu items are, where to park, and more. An updated Explore tab features trending and popular restaurants, activities, and popular sites near you. The suggestions can be accessed by swiping up, with curated lists from trusted sites easier to access. Electric vehicle owners already have access to real-time information on whether charging locations have an open spot, but Google Maps will now use AI to predict how many chargers will likely be available at your arrival time to a charging location. Google says the feature uses AI to analyze historical and real-time charger availability for predictions so you can avoid charging lines. Finally, Google is now adding support for sharing reviews without using your real name. Users can choose a nickname and profile picture to be associated with their reviews. Insider tips are available today for iOS users, while the updated Explore tab and the review name change option is rolling out this month. Charger predictions will initially be limited to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in, but the functionality could eventually expand.

Google Maps is turning into an exploration hub with Gemini as your guide

Now you can discover hidden spots, local tips, EV-charger availability and more What's happened? Google Maps is getting a fresh batch of tools powered by Gemini to help make your travels smarter and smoother. The update includes Insider Tips built with Gemini, an updated Explore tab, EV-charger availability predictions, and a new option to leave business reviews under a nickname. These updates follow the major brain upgrade Google Maps received with Gemini integration last month. Why it matters? Here's a breakdown of the new features in Maps and how they work for you: The Insider tips feature offers "know-before-you-go" insights like parking tips, dress codes, and secret menu items for restaurants or hotels. These tips come from Gemini analysing reviews and local data. It is rolling out now in the U.S. on Android and iOS. The updated Explore tab shows trending restaurants, attractions, and things to do nearby with curated lists from local influencers and trusted guides. The feature is rolling out this month globally on Android and iOS. If you search for "EV chargers," Maps uses AI to predict how many ports will be available when you arrive, helping you avoid waiting at a busy charger. It will be available next week on Android Auto and Google-built-in cars. You'll now have an option to review a business using a nickname and profile picture instead of your real name, without giving up Google's review protection. The feature rolls out this month globally on Android, iOS, and desktop Recommended Videos Why should I care? If you use Google Maps regularly, these features give you more clarity and less hassle. With Insider Tips, you'll avoid awkward surprises like arriving to find no parking or the restaurant is full. The revamped Explore tab can help you discover new places you might have missed without digging through dozens of reviews. If you drive an EV, the charger availability prediction could save you time. For reviewers, the nickname option makes giving honest reviews feel safer, without giving up your privacy. Meanwhile, Google is also working on fixing Maps' reputation as a battery hog, with new power-saving improvements on supported devices.

Google Maps Adds 4 Sweet New Features

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. New Google Maps features are always welcome around these parts, as I rarely leave the house without first opening Google Maps to make sure the route I plan to take isn't flooded with Portland's horrible traffic or to confirm that a business is indeed still open. Today, Google is pushing out at least 4 new features that you might actually find useful. The first new Google Maps feature is a section dedicated to Gemini that attempts to surface information about a business that could come in handy. There's a new "know before you go" section that is leaning on Gemini to showcase everything from secret menus, where entryways are located, and the best deals. All of these tips can be touched for more info and Gemini is finding this all through reservations and other info on the listing. Up next, we have EV charger availability predictions. While Google Maps can already tell you if Electrify America or Tesla Superchargers have available chargers, there's always this time difference between when you first look up the charger and when you get there that someone could swoop in and grab your spot. Google is going to try and help predict if a charger will still be open once you arrive. They are using AI (of course) to look at historical and real-time charger availability to push these predictions. A third new feature is the Explore tab that now showcases trending and popular restaurants, activities, and sights nearby. With a simple swipe up into the tab from the main Maps page, you'll find curated lists of stuff from OpenTable, local influencers, etc. Finally, Google is going to allow you to leave reviews now with a nickname instead of your real name. They are making this sound more like a Secret Santa scheme, where you leave good reviews for businesses under a cute little alias. Of course, most of us are thinking about awful people leaving awful reviews and harming businesses without accountability - Google doesn't think this will happen, since all reviews are still attached to your Google Account and they constantly monitor for suspicious and fake reviews. We'll see. As for availability of these features, the Gemini tips are rolling out "now" on Android and iOS, EV predictions hit Android Auto and cars with Google built-in "next week," and the new Explore tab, as well as the Secret Santa stuff rolls out "this month" on Android/iOS.

4 New Google Maps Features Rolling Out Just in Time for the Holidays - Phandroid

Holiday travel is stressful enough without navigation apps making things worse. Google Maps features are getting a major upgrade with four new tools designed to save time, avoid EV charging station lines, and help you find actually good restaurants. These updates are rolling out globally on Android, iOS, and desktop right now. Google Maps now uses Gemini AI to surface helpful details about restaurants, hotels, and venues before you visit. Search for a spot and you'll see tips on how to book reservations, parking availability, dress codes, and even secret menu items. It's like having a local guide built into your navigation, answering questions you didn't know to ask until you arrived. The revamped Explore tab highlights trending restaurants, activities, and sights near your location. Google pulls curated lists from Viator, Lonely Planet, OpenTable, and local influencers, making it easier to find things to do without endless scrolling through reviews. This update builds on previous improvements to local discovery that made finding new places more intuitive. Google Maps features now include AI-powered predictions for EV charging station availability. The app analyzes historical and real-time data to forecast how many ports will be free when you arrive, helping you avoid waiting in long lines at Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and other networks. This feature will roll out soon on Android Auto and cars with Google built in globally, addressing one of the biggest pain points for EV drivers during busy travel seasons. You can now choose a separate nickname and profile picture for your Google Maps reviews. This adds privacy for anyone who wants to share honest feedback without linking reviews to their real identity. It's a small change that makes leaving reviews feel less risky, especially when critiquing local businesses. These Google Maps features address real problems people face during holiday travel, from finding charging stations to discovering local spots without wasting time on mediocre recommendations.