Google replaced Assistant with Gemini across all of its apps, and Maps is the latest to get an upgrade. The AI assistant will allow you to interact with the app using natural conversation while you navigate the roads hands-free. For example, you could ask, “Is there a budget Japanese restaurant on my route within a few miles?” » And after answering, you can continue to ask follow-up questions, such as whether a specific restaurant has a parking space and what dishes are popular there. Once you’ve chosen a location, you can simply tell Gemini, “Okay, let’s go there” to start accessing it.
You’ll also be able to ask Gemini to do random tasks while it’s navigating and without leaving the Maps app, like adding events to your calendar if you allow it to connect to the app. Additionally, Gemini will allow you to report traffic disruptions, simply by saying “there’s flooding coming” or “I see an accident.” Gemini in Google Maps will be rolling out over the coming weeks on Android and iOS in all regions where Gemini is available. It will also come to Android Auto in the future.
In the United States, Maps gets more features thanks to the AI assistant. You can now get directions that mention easy-to-spot landmarks. Instead of saying “turn left in 500 feet,” for example, Gemini will say “turn left after Thai Siam restaurant.” The landmark will also be highlighted in Maps as a visual cue. This feature is now rolling out to Android and iOS devices. Maps will now proactively notify you of road disruptions on Android, even if you’re not actively navigating. Finally, you’ll be able to use Lens with Gemini in the Maps app when it starts rolling out later this month on Android and iOS. Simply tap the camera in the Maps search bar, point to a business, and ask questions about its location, such as “What is this place and why is it popular?”
