Google Maps Turns AI Into A Travel And Planning Assistant

by News Editor

August 6, 2026

Google is adding a new wave of AI-powered capabilities to Google Maps, allowing users to order food, compare hotels and discover local events directly through its Ask Maps assistant.

The update marks another step in Google’s effort to turn Maps into more than a navigation app, positioning it as an AI assistant that can help users complete everyday tasks.

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From Recommendations To Reservations

Users can now ask Ask Maps for specific recommendations, such as nearby restaurants serving particular dishes or drinks. After selecting a venue, they can place an order through supported platforms, including Square, Toast and Uber Eats, without having to search multiple apps.

The assistant can also help travellers find accommodation by comparing hotel prices, checking availability and directing users to partner websites to complete their bookings.

In addition, Ask Maps can suggest nearby entertainment, including comedy shows and live music, while providing links to purchase tickets. These new agentic features are initially rolling out in the United States.

More Personalised Travel Planning

Google is also introducing Personal Intelligence to Ask Maps, enabling the assistant to tailor responses using information from a user’s Gmail and Google Calendar.

For example, it can answer questions about upcoming flights, hotel reservations or dinner plans, and recommend attractions or restaurants near a booked hotel. The feature is optional and remains disabled by default.

Conversations Continue Where They Left Off

Ask Maps will now remember previous conversations, allowing users to continue planning trips without repeating earlier requests. Google is also launching a live public transport widget that provides real-time updates on delays and travel conditions.

Unlike the food-ordering tools, Personal Intelligence and the live transit widget will be available in all markets where Ask Maps is currently supported.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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