Google Integrates Food Ordering Into Search, Maps

Google users can now place restaurant orders right from Google Maps, Google Assistant or Google Search. The function taps into partnerships with delivery companies, and consumers can order without downloading another mobile app, The Verge reported.

The function operates in Google Maps and Google Search through an “Order Online” button that shows up when consumers look for a supported restaurant. They can then choose delivery or pickup, and select the service through which they want to place their orders. For restaurants that support the feature, the orders are completed via Google and Google Pay.

Through Android and iOS phones with the implementation of Google Assistant, consumers can ask Google to order food from a restaurant prior to choosing a delivery service and making their actual selections. They can also ask the voice assistant to repeat a prior order. The service reportedly supports five delivery services at rollout.

This latest feature is one of many that the technology company has brought to its lineup of services and apps. In other recent Google news, the tech company announced in May new technology called Google Duplex, for carrying out tasks over the phone using natural conversations. In a blog post, two company officials said the artificial intelligence technology will enable users to conduct tasks such as booking appointments without needing to adapt to the machine.

Yaniv Leviathan, a principal engineer, and Yossi Matias, vice president of engineering, wrote at the time in the post, “Businesses that rely on appointment bookings supported by Duplex, and are not yet powered by online systems, can benefit from Duplex by allowing customers to book through the Google Assistant without having to change any day-to-day practices or train employees.”