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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.