Google Maps is adding four new features in time for the holidays.

Google is incorporating AI features, powered by Gemini, into its apps. Google Maps now provides "things you should know before you go" when searching for directions to venues like restaurants, hotels or concert halls. This feature offers advice on booking reservations, reveals secret menu items, and shares parking tips using Gemini's analysis of reviews and other data. Tapping the tips provides more details. The feature is available on Google Maps for iOS and Android, and is currently live on one iPhone, but not yet on a Pixel phone.

The Explore tab in Google Maps is being updated to help users discover popular restaurants and entertainment venues. Users can find curated lists from sources like Viator, Lonely Planet, and local influencers. This update will be released this month on iOS and Android.

For electric vehicle drivers, Google Maps already locates available charging stations from Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America. Now, using AI to assess historical and real-time data, Maps will predict charger availability upon arrival. This feature is accessible by searching "EV chargers" in Google Maps.

The EV charger availability predictions will start rolling out next week on Android Auto and cars with Google built-in for charging stations worldwide.

Users can now post reviews with a chosen nickname and profile picture. This feature allows users to leave reviews anonymously, while Google's monitoring system will still be active to detect fake reviews. This update will be available globally later this month on Android, iOS, and desktop.

Google Maps is available for installation on iPhones via the Google Play Store. Similarly, the app can be found on the Google Play Store for Android phones.