GPS GPT: Google launches an "Ask Maps" chatbot as Gemini-fication intensifies

Our collective dependence on navigation apps may soon hit a whole new level. Google is rolling out a Gemini-powered chatbot in Maps so that you can look up more than restaurant directions and the nearest Starbucks or gas station.

With the new feature, aptly called “Ask Maps,” Google says you’ll be able to ask Maps questions like: “Where can I charge my phone without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” or “Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?”

Maps is just the latest target of a Gemini-fication that has spread to many of Google’s tools, including Gmail, Chrome, Drive, and Search (AI Overviews).

Google parent Alphabet has committed hundreds of billions to AI spend, but Ramp’s AI Index shows that Google is lagging in paid adoption of its AI tools.

Google appears to be behind, but that's only because it’s uniquely able to pursue a different distribution strategy by bundling Gemini with Workspace: We believe our data undercounts Google adoption because many businesses are using its free integration of Gemini Pro in Google Workspace, meaning companies aren’t directly paying for its AI services.

As a result, our data shows that less than 5% of U.S. businesses pay for its AI services. Compare that to OpenAI, which leads with 34.4% adoption, and Anthropic, which is swiftly making gains (now at 24.4% adoption).

The bottom line

Bundling builds stickiness. And stickiness breeds loyalty. Google ditched the paid Gemini add-on and instead integrated Gemini into paid Google Workspace business plans at no extra cost. Instead of selling Gemini separately, Google slightly hiked the base price of Workspace and made Gemini inseparable from it. In this way, Google may be angling to make Gemini the default for work for all its enterprise users. And by integrating its AI across consumer products, it’s building the same stickiness with non-enterprise users.

Rebecca Moretti•Editorial Lead

As the Editorial Lead at Ramp, Rebecca focuses on melding original data with financial news to craft engaging stories that highlight leading indicators. Previously, Rebecca was the Senior Editor of Robinhood’s Snacks newsletter, which she helmed for five years, and was Senior Editor of SoFi’s On the Money newsletter.

Ramp is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes make informed decisions. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines to ensure that our content meets and maintains our high standards.

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