Google Maps Integrates Gemini AI for Enhanced Navigation and Hands-Free Driving Experience

So long, Assistant -- Gemini is taking over Google Maps

Google is in the process of purging Assistant across its products, and the next target is Google Maps. Starting today, Gemini will begin rolling out in Maps, powering new experiences for navigation, location info, and more. This update will eventually completely usurp Google Assistant's hands-free role in Maps, but the rollout will take time. So for now, the smart assistant in Google Maps will still depend on how you're running the app. Across all Gemini's incarnations, Google stresses its conversational abilities. Whereas Assistant was hard-pressed to keep one or two balls in the air, you can theoretically give Gemini much more complex instructions. Google's demo includes someone asking for nearby restaurants with cheap vegan food, but instead of just providing a list, it suggests something based on the user's input. Gemini can also offer more information about the location. Maps will also get its own Gemini-infused version of Lens for after you park. You will be able to point the camera at a landmark, restaurant, or other business to get instant answers to your questions. This experience will be distinct from the version of Lens available in the Google app, focused on giving you location-based information. Maybe you want to know about the menu at a restaurant or what it's like inside. Sure, you could open the door... but AI! While Google has recently been forced to acknowledge that hallucinations are inevitable, the Maps team says it does not expect that to be a problem with this version of Gemini. The suggestions coming from the generative AI bot are grounded in Google's billions of place listings and Street View photos. This will, allegedly, make the robot less likely to make up a location. Google also says in no uncertain terms that Gemini is not responsible for choosing your route. How far is 500 feet? The robot will, however, get involved with the spoken directions. Currently, Google Maps and other navigation systems use vague instructions like "turn in 500 feet." However, these announcements often arrive far too late to be useful, and can people accurately gauge 500 feet while driving? The Gemini-based solution is to give instructions with landmarks. Instead of only using distances for turns, Gemini might use a gas station, restaurant, or recognizable sign to help you find your turn. Again, Google says its database of hundreds of millions of locations with accompanying Street View images helps ensure the directions are accurate. Gemini can also alert you to possible slowdowns along your route even if you don't have Maps open. Google's driving alerts for accidents and other traffic complications will also be tied into Gemini. So you'll be able to just say "there's an accident" or "traffic jam ahead," and Gemini will make the report as if you used the multi-step reporting process manually. Gemini in Maps can also connect to other Google services, like adding events to your calendar. And that request can be lumped in with navigation or map-oriented instructions. If you're running Google Maps on your phone, Gemini could arrive in the coming days. For those using Android Auto or Google built-in, the rollout will begin "soon." No, Google doesn't have anything more specific on that, but that group will get Gemini sooner than Apple Car Play Maps users. Google says it's still evaluating how to integrate Gemini's hands-free features with Apple's more limited platform.

Google Maps upgrades navigation in India with Gemini, safety alerts | TechCrunch

Google is adding Gemini to Maps in India, along with road safety alerts and more information about routes. The AI integration, launched in the U.S. on Wednesday, brings hands-free AI assistance to Maps, as well as contextual suggestions while navigating and information about places of interest. Miriam Daniel, vice president and head of Google Maps, said the rollout required significant localization. "When we say localizing for India, it's not just the language," she said at a virtual briefing. "It's also adapting to how Indians use the product, how Indians will talk, how they will ask for questions, how they will identify places, the geopolitical places, the street names, you know, everything is sort of different in India." Gemini in Maps will be available to all Android and iOS users in India in the coming weeks, Google said. At launch, Gemini will support nine Indian languages. Google is also adding a set of India-specific navigation and commuting updates. Drivers will now get visual and audio alerts when they're passing accident-prone stretches. Google said it is working on these alerts with local authorities, and the feature will roll out to Android users in Gurugram, the Cyberabad region of Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Faridabad. Google has come under scrutiny in India over the reliability of some navigation routes, after a car drove off an unfinished bridge in Uttar Pradesh, killing three men, late last year. "The real world conditions can keep changing, and it's very dynamic, and sometimes it changes in an instant. Maps can't be accurate 100% of the time," said Anal Ghosh, senior program manager for Google Maps, when asked about warnings for incomplete roads or unfinished bridges. "So we would encourage users to ensure that they're keeping their eyes on the road." Google said it has partnered with the country's highways regulator, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to receive near real-time data on road closures, diversions and repair work. The company said the partnership will also allow Maps to show wayside amenities such as public restrooms, restaurants and fuel stations along national highways. Other new features include proactive notifications about major disruptions or delays on routes, even when users are not navigating. These alerts are rolling out to Android users for highways and major roads in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The app will also display speed limits during navigation, using data from local traffic authorities. This feature is rolling out to Android and iOS users in nine cities: Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad (including the Cyberabad region), Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Noida. Building on the flyover navigation feature launched last year, Maps is now getting voice support for flyovers. This feature is rolling out to Android and iOS users over the coming weeks.

Google Maps bakes in Gemini to improve navigation and hands-free use | TechCrunch

Over the last year, Google has added multiple AI-powered features to Maps to improve discovery and enable users to ask questions about places. Now, the company is upgrading the app with Gemini to let users ask its AI bot questions while driving, improve navigation, and perform more tasks. While driving, users can now ask Gemini to answer questions about places of interest on their route, return results about other topics (like sports or news), and even perform tasks like adding events to their calendar. You can ask multiple questions in a conversation, too: for example, "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? ... What's parking like there?" Drivers can even report traffic incidents using Gemini, and Maps will proactively notify users of disruptions on the route ahead. Google is also adding a new feature to Maps that combines Gemini with Street View data to improve navigation instructions. So instead of telling you to turn right after, say, 500 feet, Maps will now mention a nearby landmark, like gas stations, restaurants or famous buildings, and highlight them before you have to make the turn. The company said that Gemini cross-references information about 250 million places with Street View images to identify important and visible landmarks for navigation. Maps is also getting the ability to answer questions about your surroundings by working together with Google Lens. So you can point the camera at places of interest, like restaurants and landmarks, and ask questions like, "What is this place and why is it popular?" Google said the new Gemini navigation features will be rolled out to iOS and Android devices in the coming weeks, and said support for Android Auto would be coming soon. Traffic alerts are rolling out in the U.S. for Android users first; Landmark navigation is currently only going to be available in the U.S. on both iOS and Android; and Lens with Gemini will be functional in the U.S. later this month.

Google Maps Is Getting More Hands-Free for When You're Driving

Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing. Last Thanksgiving, I drove more than 1,000 miles with my dog in the back seat. Finding places to stop -- especially dog-friendly restaurants and parks -- meant constantly pulling over to search my phone. It was inconvenient and added a good amount of time to my trip, but hey, it was certainly better than one-hand searching on my phone while driving. Google's newest update to Maps, amped up by Gemini AI, is designed to help with situations like that. The company announced today that it's adding Gemini's conversational AI capabilities directly into the Maps app, bringing more natural and hands-free interactions to the more than 2 billion Maps users worldwide. Here's everything that's new for Google Maps. Read also: Planning a Holiday Road Trip? Here's My Trick for Using Google Maps Without Internet Hands-free navigation comes to Google Maps The most notable change is the addition of Gemini's conversational mode while navigating. Drivers can now ask detailed, context-aware questions, such as where to find "a restaurant with vegan options and easy parking within a few miles," without having to type or tap. Gemini can follow up on requests, too, like adding a calendar reminder for soccer practice or checking on EV charger availability along the route. On Android, it can also share your ETA with contacts by voice. Drivers can report real-time conditions by saying something like "I see an accident ahead" or "There's flooding on this road" and Maps will add those safety alerts for other drivers on that route. Google says Gemini-powered navigation will roll out to Android and iOS in the coming weeks, with Android Auto support to follow. Turn-by-turn directions are getting more visual Google is also rethinking how Maps gives directions. Instead of "turn right in 500 feet," Gemini can reference real-world landmarks like "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" or "turn left before this stop light." According to Google, these landmark references come from its database of 250 million mapped places, combined with Street View imagery to ensure what drivers hear actually matches what they see. This feature is available now for both Android and iOS in the US. Early warnings for traffic disruptions A new proactive traffic alert feature will notify users about road closures, backups or other disruptions ahead even if navigation isn't active. These alerts are rolling out first in the US on Android devices and are designed to help drivers reroute before getting stuck. Explore destinations with Gemini and Lens When you reach your destination, Gemini wants to stay useful through an upgraded version of Lens in Google Maps. By pointing your camera at a building or storefront, Gemini will identify what it is, summarize reviews and highlight popular dishes or items. You can also ask follow-up questions like, "What's this place known for?" or "Is it usually busy at lunch?" and get AI-generated answers based on Google's location data and user feedback. This update begins rolling out later this month for Android and iOS users in the US. Read also: 7 Ways I Use Google Maps for Seamless Travel Gemini's integration brings Google Maps closer to being a true voice-first navigation assistant. The AI's ability to understand complex questions about the route, manage personal tasks while you're driving and describe surroundings could make daily commutes and road trips less stressful -- and possibly even safer. If these tools had been around last Thanksgiving, finding a place to stretch my legs, walk my pup and grab lunch might have been as simple as asking out loud instead of pulling over to a random place and hoping for the best.

Google Maps taps Gemini AI to transform into an 'all-knowing copilot'

Google Maps is bringing Gemini's AI chatbot to more features, including more "conversational" route planning and the use of landmarks and nearby business for navigation. Google has slowly been adding AI to many of its products, including Maps, which last year got an updated version of Immersive View that allows users to ask questions about surrounding businesses and activities. Now the company is bringing AI into some of the core functions of Maps: route planning and navigation. "We've often envisioned navigating with Maps as being your all-knowing copilot," said Google Maps product director Amanda Moore in a briefing with reporters, "giving you exactly the information you need when you need it and taking the stress out of getting from A to B." Users can now ask Gemini open-ended questions from within Maps, either while driving or out walking. The system combines Maps' geographical data with local insights about the surrounding community to provide answers about businesses or possible destinations. An example would be to ask Gemini for recommendations for certain restaurants along a specified route, and then to request that the route be altered to include directions to one of the recommended places. Users can also report hazards like vehicle crashes or get summaries of recent events, news, or emails during a commute. Gemini can be summoned either by saying "Hey Google" or tapping the Gemini icon in top-right corner of Google Maps. Gemini also has the ability to access other Google apps, like Calendar, so users can add reminders for events to their schedule while also conversing with the chatbot about navigation. This interoperability can all take place within the Google Maps interface, the company's product managers said. "It's connecting the dots between trusted information from the web, reviews from the Maps community, and all the rich geospatial data that Maps has," Vishal Dutta, group product manager for Google Maps, said in a briefing with reporters. "And then Gemini pulls it all together with its summarization capabilities into one clear, helpful answer you can act on instantly while you're on the go." Dutta said it would feel like having "a friend who's a local expert in the passenger seat." Google is also using AI to improve its audible directions by using recognizable visual cues, like gas stations, restaurants, or distinctive landmarks, rather than distance-based instructions. This capability relies on Gemini's ability to process billions of Street View images and cross-reference them with the live index of 250 million places that have been logged in Google Maps. Another feature, Proactive Traffic Alerts, targets routine commutes and familiar drives where the user may not normally open Maps. Gemini now monitors the route in the background and can automatically alert the user to approaching disruptions like crashes, construction, or road closures. It notifies drivers early enough to reroute and avoid delays, helping them stay on schedule. Lastly, users can now use Google Lens within Maps (and powered by Gemini) to help identify surrounding landmarks or businesses. Simply point your camera at a location and through natural conversation, Gemini will provide all the details. Of course, if the AI hallucinates or spits out wrong information, these types of features can quickly turn into a debacle for users. But Google insists that hallucinations won't be a problem because Gemini's navigation features are grounded in Google's real-world datasets. "We've also really worked to ground this in our place information," said Moore. "So when you ask for places on your route, it's using the actual place information in the real world. So there should be no hallucinations on places to stop at or things like that." Google says that the new features will be free for all signed-in users, gradually rolling out to Android, iOS, and, later, vehicles with Google built-in.

You can chat with Google Maps now, thanks to this big AI upgrade - how it works

Google launched Gemini upgrades to Google Maps. You can use Talk to Google Maps to find your destination. You can use Lens to learn more about your current location. Gemini has been integrated across nearly all of Google's offerings -- and now it's time for Google Maps' AI facelift. On Wednesday, the company launched four upgrades to Google Maps that make it easier for users to get where they want to go, including new multimodal features, such as conversational natural language prompts to find a stop en route or Lens to identify new places at your destination. Also: I looked into the most popular AI apps, and the runner-up caught me by surprise For a rundown of each new feature and how to access it, keep reading below. Have you ever wished you could simply talk to your car or phone to help you get to where you need to go? Now you can, with Gemini in the Google Maps app. Also: How to turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more - it's easy to opt out of AI When you are en route to your destination, Google said you can say something like, "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? ... What's parking like there?" and Gemini can help put together a response: Beyond asking for a place to go along the way, you can also ask Gemini in the Google Maps app to add a calendar event, chat about current events, and even discuss places you are considering going to. Users can also use Gemini to report any incidents they encounter along the way. The major benefit is that, whether driving or walking, you don't have to take your eyes off the road to get the information you need. Since the first GPS was launched, voice turn-by-turn directions have been limited to describing the next step by referring to the distance away from it, for example, "turn left in 600 feet." However, this approach can often become confusing, especially when driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods. To help, Gemini can now show you landmarks on the map that are easy to spot and provide clear directions, rather than simply saying, "Turn left after [insert name of restaurant]." Also: You can try OpenAI's popular Sora video app on Android and iOS now - for free Gemini can do this task by analyzing Google Maps' database of places and cross-referencing it with Street View images to identify the most credible landmarks along the path. This feature is now rolling out to both Android and iOS users in the US. To help users mentally prepare for standstill traffic, Google will now send notifications about potential road disruptions. For example, it could notify users of an upcoming closure or traffic jam. This feature is rolling out now in the US on Android: Leaning into multimodality, this latest Google Maps feature utilizes Lens to help users explore their destination once they arrive. Users can now have a conversation with Google Maps by tapping the camera icon in the search bar and using the camera to show Gemini places around them, such as restaurants, shops, or landmarks, and learn more about them: Google said the feature uses Gemini's summarization capabilities in conjunction with Google Maps' understanding of places to provide answers you may need while traveling, such as a restaurant's atmosphere, which can help you determine if the destination is worth the wait. This feature will roll out gradually later this month in the US on both Android and iOS.

You can talk with Google Maps now, thanks to its big Gemini upgrade - how it works

Google launched Gemini upgrades to Google Maps. You can use Talk to Google Maps to find your destination. You can use Lens to learn more about your current location. Gemini has been integrated across nearly all of Google's offerings -- and now it's time for Google Maps' AI facelift. On Wednesday, the company launched four upgrades to Google Maps that make it easier for users to get where they want to go, including new multimodal features, such as conversational natural language prompts to find a stop en route or Lens to identify new places at your destination. Also: I looked into the most popular AI apps, and the runner-up caught me by surprise For a rundown of each new feature and how to access it, keep reading below. Have you ever wished you could simply talk to your car or phone to help you get to where you need to go? Now you can, with Gemini in the Google Maps app. Also: How to turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more - it's easy to opt out of AI When you are en route to your destination, Google said you can say something like, "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? ... What's parking like there?" and Gemini can help put together a response: Beyond asking for a place to go along the way, you can also ask Gemini in the Google Maps app to add a calendar event, chat about current events, and even discuss places you are considering going to. Users can also use Gemini to report any incidents they encounter along the way. The major benefit is that, whether driving or walking, you don't have to take your eyes off the road to get the information you need. Since the first GPS was launched, voice turn-by-turn directions have been limited to describing the next step by referring to the distance away from it, for example, "turn left in 600 feet." However, this approach can often become confusing, especially when driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods. To help, Gemini can now show you landmarks on the map that are easy to spot and provide clear directions, rather than simply saying, "Turn left after [insert name of restaurant]." Also: You can try OpenAI's popular Sora video app on Android and iOS now - for free Gemini can do this task by analyzing Google Maps' database of places and cross-referencing it with Street View images to identify the most credible landmarks along the path. This feature is now rolling out to both Android and iOS users in the US. To help users mentally prepare for standstill traffic, Google will now send notifications about potential road disruptions. For example, it could notify users of an upcoming closure or traffic jam. This feature is rolling out now in the US on Android: Leaning into multimodality, this latest Google Maps feature utilizes Lens to help users explore their destination once they arrive. Users can now have a conversation with Google Maps by tapping the camera icon in the search bar and using the camera to show Gemini places around them, such as restaurants, shops, or landmarks, and learn more about them: Google said the feature uses Gemini's summarization capabilities in conjunction with Google Maps' understanding of places to provide answers you may need while traveling, such as a restaurant's atmosphere, which can help you determine if the destination is worth the wait. This feature will roll out gradually later this month in the US on both Android and iOS.

Gemini AI to transform Google Maps into a more conversational experience

Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required -- now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up -- known as "hallucinations" in tech speak -- but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress -- or disappoint -- with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.

AI is taking over Google Maps to plan routes, find parking, and answer questions

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. The big picture: Following a multi-billion-dollar deal with Apple to integrate Gemini into Siri, Google has announced plans to bring its AI assistant to Google Maps by the end of the year. The company says the integration will enhance the app's voice-activated navigation and provide a safer, more seamless hands-free driving experience. According to Google, Gemini will be able to locate virtually any destination, including restaurants, hotels, and movie theaters, and automatically suggest the fastest route. It will also identify parking spots, report traffic incidents, check for nearby EV chargers, and perform a variety of other tasks using natural language commands. Users will also be able to perform multi-step tasks with Gemini, such as asking it to find a budget-friendly vegan restaurant along their route and then navigate to that location if one is available. The assistant can even add calendar events for upcoming appointments, such as meetings or dinner dates. In addition to Gemini integration, Google Maps will introduce easily recognizable landmarks, including gas stations, restaurants, and famous buildings. The app will use these landmarks for directions - for example, saying, "Turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant," instead of the less intuitive "Turn right in 500 feet," which can be confusing in real-world navigation. To enable more accurate navigation using local landmarks, Google analyzed updated information on 250 million locations in Maps and cross-referenced it with Street View imagery. The company says incorporating Street View data helps identify the most visually striking and well-known sites on each street, ensuring directions are both accurate and easy to follow. Gemini will roll out globally on Google Maps for Android and iOS by the end of the year, with support for Android Auto coming later. Landmark-based navigation is already available in the US with the latest Google Maps update, though availability in other regions has not yet been confirmed. Later this month, Gemini will enhance Google Lens integration in Google Maps, enabling users to identify landmarks such as cafes, monuments, parks, and other points of interest simply by pointing their camera. Users can also ask questions about a location, including "What is this place?", "Why is it so popular?", or "What's the vibe inside?", helping them decide whether the spot is worth visiting.

Google Maps is making your favorite navigator smarter, more helpful, and just easier to talk to

Gemini can even proactively warn you about traffic problems before you've even told it your route. Over the past couple years, Google's been infusing Gemini AI into every corner of its devices and services -- for better or for worse. But even as we shake our heads at AI Mode misses in Search, we've been hugely excited about all the Google Maps upgrades Gemini could offer. Today we're finally learning exactly how that's going to work, as Google shares all the ways Gemini is about to make Maps even better. Voice control of Maps through Assistant has already been a big deal, keeping us safely hands-free (and focused on the road) while giving us the ability to plan and revise routes on the fly. But with Gemini, Google promises to take that experience to the next level. Just what does that mean? Well, if you don't know exactly where you want to go, you can just describe the sort of place you're looking for and let Gemini do all the legwork. And that power extends to when you want to add a stop along your existing route as well -- you can even follow up with questions, like if you're curious about the parking situation. Maps is also using Gemini to get smarter about how it phrases navigation instructions. Expect to get a lot less "turn in 500 feet" and more useful contextual information, like turns based on landmarks you can actually see from where you are. Another very cool-sounding addition involves integration with Lens -- you'll be able to use your camera and have Maps answer questions about places you see, getting more information about what they offer. If you've ever walked by an establishment dozens of times and always wondered what kind of vibe it had inside, this sounds like an easy way to find out. Gemini should also help save you (and others) from problems you might run into getting around. On one end, that involves easier reporting tools using Gemini's natural-language skills. And then when Maps is aware of problematic traffic conditions, Gemini will let it proactively warn you, even if you haven't formally started navigation just yet. When can you expect to have the chance to try out these upgrades for yourself? Proactive traffic alerts and landmark navigation are arriving on both Android and iOS starting today. Lens integration goes live a little later this month, and we're looking at a similar timetable for Gemini-based navigation, due within the next few weeks. Android Auto support is a bit further out, but Google still says to look for it "soon."

Google Maps gets Gemini AI so drivers can talk while navigating

Google Maps is getting a major AI boost with Gemini integration, introducing a smarter, hands-free driving experience. The new feature lets users talk naturally to Maps while keeping their eyes on the road. Google describes it as "like having a knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat who can confidently help you get where you're going." Gemini is now built into Google Maps to make everyday driving tasks faster and easier. Users can ask the assistant to find places along their route, locate EV chargers or share their ETA on Android without touching the screen.

Google Maps gets the AI treatment with Gemini integration -- here's all the clever new things it can do

Google Maps just got a big upgrade, becoming smarter, easier, and more hands-free thanks to a push of new Gemini AI features. Google describes this update as being like "having a knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat who can confidently help you get where you're going." While Google Maps has had AI features built in before, this upgrade brings some noticeable improvements, mostly to the driver's ability to find destinations along their routes. It boils down to four new features. These new features will begin to roll out on both Android and iOS Google Maps over the next couple of weeks. Android Auto will then follow after this first initial rollout. By bringing the Gemini assistant to Google Maps, users will be able to interact with the map system more easily than before. Along with being able to track down places along your route, find nearby chargers, or share your ETA with friends, you can also ask multi-step complicated requests. For example, asking Gemini to "find a nearby restaurant within the next four miles on my current route that serves affordable vegetarian food." What is the parking like and is it busy?" These kinds of requests wouldn't have been possible with the previous Google Assistant features in maps, now offering multiple steps of information in one go. This update also allows for better integration of other Google tools. For example, you could ask Gemini to "Put in directions to the nearest shopping centre, and put an event in your calendar in 20 minutes of what you need to buy when you get there." As an extension of these improvements to the assistant, Google claims it is also easier than ever to report traffic incidents. Using phrases like "I see an accident" or "looks like it is flooding" will be converted by Gemini into accurate warnings for Google. Sometimes, it isn't actually clear where Google Maps is telling you to go. Whether that's because there are twenty random roads piled together, or you're going too fast to judge the distance, Google is trying to make this clearer with more identifying features on the map. Along with traffic lights and stop signs, Google will start showing landmarks like gas stations, restaurants and famous buildings on the map, along with these being included in the voice commands, like "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" with it highlighted on the map. Gemini achieves this by analyzing Google Maps' Street View images. While this feature could be incredibly useful, it also has the potential to go wrong quite easily. It requires Gemini to quickly and accurately confirm that landmarks are still there, especially when it comes to restaurants, which can open and close quite quickly these days. Currently, Google Maps will notify you of upcoming accidents or major disruptions to your route. This is normally done by a quick pop-up or, in some cases, just the colour of your arrival time getting darker. With the Gemini update, Google Maps will proactively notify you of disruptions on the road ahead. This feature will first roll out to Android users in the US. There is no clear arrival date for other regions. Another feature that Google is announcing is the ability to get a clearer picture of destinations on the map. These could be the restaurant that you are currently heading to, or a random bar that you want to check out on the way. If you see a pin, clicking on it allows you to have a conversation with Gemini about that destination. This can allow you to ask "what the vibe is like?" or "What is the most popular dish here?" These are more conversational questions that Google Maps would have struggled to articulate before, but by searching through reviews, websites or Google Maps pages, Gemini can develop a better understanding.

Gemini chatbot joins Google Maps to guide drivers and walkers

Why it matters: Nearly three years since ChatGPT's explosive launch, the tech giants are now banking on the idea that everyone wants a chatbot everywhere. The big picture: Google announced new AI features coming to Maps on Android, iOS, Android Auto and eventually Apple's CarPlay. * Adding a conversational navigation system, Google says, allows for hands-free interactions like pinpointing unmarked turns, reporting crashes or finding out what parking is like at different places. * A year ago Google started adding AI to Google maps to help summarize reviews and answer questions about places, but the chatbot hasn't been embedded into the navigation system yet. Between the lines: Gemini draws on real-time data from over 250 million mapped places. * The AI additions are meant to solve the problem of confusing directions like, "In 500 yards turn left," when it's hard as a driver to know what 500 yards really is. * Instead Gemini will use the regularly updated data from Google Street View to tell you a more distinct landmark where you should turn. Reality check: Google has faced scrutiny over traffic havoc and even death for steering drivers onto unsafe paths. * But Google says the new AI features don't use Gemini to generate a route or decide where you should turn. * It will announce landmarks that you'd be able to see in street view, but it's designed for hands-free navigation while driving. The intrigue: Some of the new features lead people back into their phones instead of human interaction.

Google Maps, now brought to you with an AI conversational companion | Fortune

Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required -- now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up -- known as "hallucinations" in tech speak -- but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress -- or disappoint -- with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.

If Google's Gemini update for Maps works, I can't wait to get on the road

Gemini for navigation could be a game-changer for on-the-move route changes and updates Google has announced it's integrating Gemini AI into Google Maps navigation, giving you an "all-knowing co-pilot" you can talk to like a front seat passenger. I was shown a demo during an online briefing ahead of the announcement being made, and if Gemini performs in real life as it did during the presentation, it could be a game-changer for on-the-move route changes and updates. Okay Google, impress me With Gemini integration in navigation, you'll be able to have a hands-free conversation with the AI, asking complex queries such as "is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options within a couple of miles?" Recommended Videos Gemini will take into account the route you're currently traveling, use data from the 250 million places indexed in Google Maps, and harness AI to suggest suitable places to eat which won't take you way off course. You can then ask follow-up questions, such as "what's the parking like there?" and Gemini will know you're referring to the restaurant it just suggested, and again will use the places index and information available on the web to provide you an answer. Unsurprisingly, in the brief demo Gemini performed flawlessly, finding a suitable place to eat and providing accurate parking information, and it's got my hopes up. On numerous occasions when travelling long distances I've wanted to make an unscheduled stop for something to eat, but as I'm driving in an unfamiliar part of the country I don't know where to go. Being able to just say 'Okay Google' and then reel off my requirements, knowing I won't be diverted too far from my route, would be brilliant. Google stresses that this Gemini integration won't be prone to hallucinations either, as it's using the places data already indexed in Google Maps and "reliable sources from the web" to provide the information. The proof will be in the pudding (Hey Google, find me a great pudding place on my route), so while I'm excited, I'm also a little apprehensive until I'm actually able to try it out for myself. Google says you'll also be able to ask other, non-navigation related questions to Gemini, such as getting a news briefing, sports scores, or a summary of your email inbox. You'll also be able to do things such as add events to your calendar, just by speaking to Gemini. But wait, there's more Gemini for navigation isn't the only AI Maps treat Google has in store, as it's also announced landmark based navigation and proactive traffic alerts as part of its navigation expansion. Landmark based navigation looks to address issues around distance-based instructions (e.g. take a right in 300 feet), by adding visible objects and buildings into the spoken directions. Maps can already say things such as "take the right after the Stop sign/traffic lights", but these markers aren't always on the route you're traveling. In these cases, Maps will use AI to scan Google's Street View images and cross reference them with the places index in Maps, to provide directions such as "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant". It will look for prominent landmarks such as gas stations, restaurants and famous buildings, to provide your with clearer, more useful directions. Meanwhile, proactive traffic alerts can warn you of upcoming delays or issues on your route, even if you're not using navigation. AI can learn your most common journeys and predict when you're making them, sending notifications to your phone and offer alternative routes if necessary. When will you get Gemini for navigation? Gemini in the Google Maps navigation experience will be rolling out to Android and iOS in coming weeks. Meanwhile landmark based navigation and proactive traffic alerts are rolling out now, although only in the US initially. However, if you use Android Auto (where you connect your phone to your car to get Maps on your infotainment display) you'll have to wait a little longer for the Gemini integration as Google says it'll arrive "later", without any firm timeline confirmed. And this isn't the only new feature Google has rolled out for Maps, with intelligent lane guidance arriving on cars with Google built-in soon. Meanwhile, GM is working on deeply integrating Gemini in its upcoming vehicles.

Google Maps Becomes Gemini's Proving Ground for Real-World AI - Decrypt

A new Lens feature lets users identify nearby places through their phone camera. Generative AI is moving off the screen and onto the road. Google announced Wednesday that it has begun embedding its Gemini models into Maps, signaling how personal, phone-based navigation is becoming the next proving ground for real-world AI. Google described the update as an effort to make navigation more conversational and context-aware, allowing drivers to complete multi-step tasks by voice -- such as finding a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along a route, checking parking nearby, or adding an event to a calendar. "There's nothing worse than being surprised by a sudden standstill. Now, Google Maps can give you a heads-up, even if you're not actively navigating," Google said in a statement. "It proactively notifies you of disruptions on the road ahead -- like when there's an unexpected closure or heavy traffic jam." Gemini also changes how navigation sounds. Instead of abstract cues like "turn right in 500 feet," drivers now hear instructions tied to recognizable landmarks -- such as turning after a specific restaurant or gas station -- with those locations highlighted on-screen. Google said the system draws from about 250 million mapped places and Street View imagery to prioritize landmarks people can actually see while driving. Once users arrive, Gemini remains active through a new "Lens built with Gemini" feature that lets them point their phone camera at nearby shops, restaurants, or landmarks and ask conversational questions about what the place is known for, or what the atmosphere feels like. The feature starts rolling out this month in the U.S. on Android and iOS. The automotive AI market -- including navigation, sensing, and voice assistants -- is projected to grow from about $19 billion in 2025 to nearly $38 billion by 2030, according to industry data. In-car voice assistants alone were valued at more than $3 billion this year, driven by demand for context-aware interaction rather than simple infotainment commands.

Google Maps Is About To Get Way Easier To Use While Driving

You can find specific kinds of locations along your route and ask follow ups. Gone are the days when AI chatbots were only good for composing sonnets about pooping your pants in the style of William Shakespeare. These systems are getting better at doing real, helpful things too. On Wednesday, Google rolled out a bunch of updates to its Maps app that promise to use its Gemini chatbot to make navigating places just a little easier. The big one: You can now converse with Gemini right in the Google Maps app to ask for nearby restaurants, available EV chargers along your route or what have you. "We're bringing Gemini into navigation, enabling the first intelligent, hands-free, conversational driving experience right in Google Maps," Amanda Moore, a product director for Google Maps, said on a call with reporters. "With this launch, you can now ask for anything when you're using your phone to navigate with Maps as if you were speaking to a friend next to you." What's new, as opposed to the Siri-like Google Assistant you can use natively in some cars or on Android phones, is the ability to have complex, multi-step conversations, the company said. Mercedes announced its own Gemini-backed conversational navigation feature earlier this year. According to the example Google gave, you can ask for something like a "budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route," and then ask a follow up about what parking there is like. Gemini parses through the information Google Maps has on hundreds of millions of businesses -- including user feedback on reviews, outdoor dining, parking, pricing, etc -- and then summarizes that into a succinct answer or list of options. Then it listens for any further questions you might have. This all sounds genuinely useful. Because trying to find a gas station or a particular kind of food option while driving can indeed be a pain in the ass, even if you have someone riding shotgun to do the searching. That's doubly true if you need a good lunch stop near a charging station. Plus, cars are in dire need of great voice assistants, but the ones that have come installed natively have generally been subpar, with few exceptions. Car companies are talking a big game about incorporating AI in to their vehicles -- tech that can do vague things like "learn your preferences" or hold a conversation. But this AI glow-up to an app that's already ubiquitous may be precisely the kind of tech cars are missing. Personally, I'm eager to try it out to find charging stations, a function Google specifically notes in its press release. The ability to ask for a charging station with available stalls rated for over 200 kilowatts and near a McDonalds with a working McFlurry machine would be amazing. We'll have to see how Gemini handles that. Google says Gemini is coming to the Maps apps on iOS and Android in the coming weeks, and that functionality in Android Auto is "on the way as well." In May, Google announced that Gemini would be available in vehicles with Google built-in later in 2025. Apple CarPlay, Moore said, "is something we're still looking into." So if you're an iPhone user, you may have to just use the Maps app to access Gemini-powered conversations. "Unfortunately, CarPlay has a lot of limitations that don't allow us to do exactly what we're able to do on the mobile app, so the team is still working through what's possible on CarPlay," she said. Google announced some other upgrades to Maps on Wednesday too. It's integrating more "landmark-based navigation" into Maps, thanks to Gemini. So instead of just saying "turn right in 500 feet," you'll hear more directions tied to easily recognizable buildings and restaurants. And Maps is expanding beyond navigation too. Say you commute without using Maps, since you know the route like the back of your hand. Google is rolling out "proactive traffic alerts" that call out heavy traffic or crashes down the road -- even if you're not actively navigating. That's rolling out now on Android.

Google Maps Will Soon Let You Talk to Gemini While Driving

Even with Maps closed, Gemini will give you proactive traffic alerts on common routes. Google isn't new to adding AI to its products, and that includes Google Maps. The company already has AI tools that let you ask Gemini for directions to your destination, or get more info about it, and today, it's rolling out new features to help turn the chatbot into a (to borrow a term from Microsoft) copilot. With Gemini in Google Maps, you'll be able to ask open-ended questions and even have the AI take action for you, based on its responses. The idea is to make the app easier to work with while driving, which, yes, means you can also wake the bot with a simple "Hey Google." Let's say you get peckish while driving. You'll be able to wake the bot with your voice, ask it for restaurants along your drive, and then have it alter your route to direct you to one of them. Or, if you have a passenger with you, they could also summon the bot with a Gemini icon in the top-right corner of the Google Maps screen. This is a major update compared to prior AI integration in Maps, which was mostly restricted to asking questions about certain routes or destinations before you started driving. But even if you're not actively talking to the AI to help you navigate, it'll still supposedly make Maps better for you. Rather than relying on generic instructions like "turn right in 500 feet," Google says Maps will now also sometimes direct users by pointing out easy-to-spot landmarks along their route instead. That means you might get an instruction saying "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant," with the restaurant itself being highlighted on your Maps app as you approach. To do this, the bot will cross-reference Google Street View photos with your route. I'll admit I'm a little skeptical that it might pick an easy-to-miss landmark -- I don't trust myself to be able to spot the right restaurant while driving -- but if it works, it could be more intuitive than trying to figure out how many feet are between me and my turn. There's also integration to help you better interact with Google's other apps while in Maps, like Calendar. The company says that, while talking to the bot about your route, you could also ping it to add an event to Calendar; assuming you've already given it permission to do so, it'll automatically follow through on your request. The company's also added a Google Lens button to Maps, so once you arrive at wherever you're going, you'll be able to point your phone at landmarks or your destination and ask Gemini for more details about them without having to leave Maps. Outside of connecting with other apps, Maps is also getting some of the same features as Waze, but with a twist. Google is adding a feature called Proactive Traffic Alerts to Maps, which sets Gemini to monitor disruptions to your most commonly traveled routes in the background. The idea is that you likely don't open Maps or Waze for your daily commute, which means you're not getting traffic alerts while you drive. Now, the AI will work for you while the app is closed, too, and will notify you on its own if it detects a crash or road closure while you're on one of your routine drives. The catch to all of this? There are plenty of ways it could go wrong, and there's no way to test it yet. Imagine the AI hallucinates a landmark that isn't there or has closed, and you miss a needed turn. In a roundtable with journalists (h/t The Verge), Google Maps product director Amanda Moore insisted that all training is "using the actual place information in the real world" and said "there should be no hallucinations on places to stop at or things like that," but this is definitely something I'd want to try out first in a low stakes environment, rather than diving into it immediately on a cross-country road trip. (Even if a landmark is real, that doesn't automatically mean pointing it out will be useful.) Unfortunately, it'll take a little while before you can try out any of these new features. Gemini-based navigation starts rolling out "in the coming weeks" and Lens in Maps is set for "later this month." Proactive traffic alerts and landmark-based navigation start their rollouts today, but it might still be a bit until they hit your iOS and Android device.

Google Maps Gets Another Big Dose of Gemini, New Features

Google Maps is getting a big dose of Gemini, with Google baking in all sorts of new AI features to make the service even more helpful. Gemini is coming to Navigation, allowing you to ask Gemini about specific things while you're driving, such as finding something to eat, find an EV charging station, or adding something to your Google Calendar all hands-free while you're driving. Google even highlights asking Gemini about popular dishes at restaurants while you're busy navigating there, with the AI having access to Google Maps' massive library of data. While hands-free, drivers can now also report traffic disruptions. You can say, "I see an accident" or "Watch out for that slowdown" to report disruptions instantly. Google says Gemini in navigation will begin rolling out in the coming weeks on Android and iOS, with Android Auto currently "on the way." Proactive traffic alerts are also now available. Even if you aren't actively navigating to a location, Google Maps will give you a heads up if a disruption to traffic is inbound. If there's an unexpected closure or heavy traffic jam, Google Maps will make sure to notify you, which could come in clutch. Be on the lookout for these changes and more coming soon to Google Maps.

Google Maps is getting an AI upgrade with these new Gemini-powered features

TL;DR: Google Maps now features an AI-powered Gemini upgrade, enhancing navigation with landmark-based directions, hands-free voice assistance, and real-time traffic updates. Integrated with Google Calendar and Google Lens, it simplifies discovery, scheduling, and location details, improving user experience on Android and iOS across the U.S. Google Maps is getting a Gemini and AI-powered upgrade with new features designed to simplify and enhance navigation and discovery. With the integrated AI assistant, you can communicate hands-free with Google Maps to discover specific points of interest on your journey or check for things like EV chargers. And if you're stuck in traffic or delayed, Google Maps can share your live ETA with friends. With Google Calendar integration (an opt-in feature) and access to Gemini, you can also use natural language to add reminders, schedule appointments, and catch up on news. When it comes to specific Google Maps improvements and upgrades, the addition of Gemini will now use landmarks for guidance. So instead of saying "turn left in 300 feet," it will say "turn left at the BP gas station," restaurant, or clearly identifiable building, by name. This is an impressive and welcome feature that adds a more human touch for navigation, which leverages Google Maps' updated and comprehensive information on 250 million places, as well as cross-referencing that data with Street View images to ensure that landmarks are visible from the street. This new landmark-based navigation is now rolling out in the U.S. on both Android and iOS. Other AI-powered features coming to Google Maps include more proactive traffic information, with the ability to report traffic disruptions in real-time using natural language. And for those walking, there's integrated Google Lens, so you can use your camera to get more information about a place, such as a restaurant, or even ask Google Maps and Gemini for details about the location, right down to simple questions like "What is this place and why is it so popular?"

Gemini AI to transform Google Maps into a more conversational experience

Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required -- now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up -- known as "hallucinations" in tech speak -- but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress -- or disappoint -- with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.

Gemini AI to transform Google Maps into a more conversational experience

Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the co-pilot's seat Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required -- now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up -- known as "hallucinations" in tech speak -- but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress -- or disappoint -- with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.

3 Ways Google Maps Gets Smarter With Gemini AI Integration - Phandroid

Ever wished your navigation app could actually hold a conversation? Google Maps with Gemini makes that happen, turning your phone into an AI co-pilot that understands what you need without forcing you to tap through menus. Google Maps is rolling out Gemini integration that fundamentally changes how drivers interact with navigation. According to Google's announcement, this update brings conversational driving features, landmark-based directions, and proactive traffic alerts. Here are three ways this upgrade will make your drives significantly smarter. The Gemini integration in Google Maps lets you handle multi-step requests through natural conversation. Ask something like "Is there a budget-friendly vegan restaurant along my route within a couple of miles?" and Gemini searches nearby options, checks reviews, and presents choices. Follow up with questions about parking availability or popular menu items without starting over. Beyond food, Gemini can add calendar events, catch you up on news, or help you find EV charging stations. You can also report traffic issues by saying "there's flooding ahead" or "I see an accident." This feature is rolling out soon on Android and iOS, with Android Auto support coming later. Google previously killed Assistant Driving Mode as part of its transition to Gemini. Google is replacing vague distance-based directions with visual landmarks that are actually easy to spot. Instead of hearing "turn right in 500 feet," Google Maps with Gemini now says "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant," with the landmark highlighted on your map as you approach. This uses Google's database of 250 million places combined with Street View imagery. For anyone who struggles estimating distances or misses small street signs, landmark navigation makes following directions significantly easier. This feature is currently available in the U.S. on both Android and iOS devices. The power-saving mode Google Maps is developing will likely work alongside these Gemini features for longer battery life. Google Maps now warns you about road disruptions before you start driving. If there's an unexpected closure or heavy traffic forming on your usual route, the app sends a notification so you can adjust your plans before getting in the car. The feature is currently available on Android devices in the United States. As a bonus, Gemini continues helping after you arrive through Google Lens integration. Tap the camera icon, point at restaurants or shops, and ask questions like "What is this place and why is it popular?" This feature is gradually rolling out in the U.S. on Android and iOS.

Google Maps introduces new features supported by Gemini AI

Major artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements are coming to Google Maps, the company announced Wednesday. In a blog post, Google shared that it's "introducing the first hands-free, conversational driving experience in Google Maps, built with Gemini and our comprehensive information about the real world." The company has been incorporating its Gemini AI technology into several of its products recently, and now, the world's most popular digital mapping program will be getting some additional AI upgrades. In the blog, Google likened the technology to "having a knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat who can confidently help you get where you're going." What are the new features? Hands-free help with multistep tasks: Google's Gemini AI chatbot will be able to support multistep tasks. One example, highlighted in the blog, is that users will be able to ask and get answers to hyper-specific questions like: "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles?" This feature will start rolling out in the U.S. on Android and iOS in the coming weeks. Landmark-based navigation: Gemini will call out landmarks in addition to distances, providing more precise direction instructions. "Gemini does this by analyzing Google Maps' fresh, comprehensive information about 250 million places and cross-referencing it with Street View images to curate the most useful landmarks visible from the street," according to the blog. This feature has started rolling out in the U.S. on Android and iOS. Connects to other apps: Gemini will be able to connect with other Google applications, such as Google Calendar, allowing users to set reminders while using the AI for navigation. This feature will start rolling out in the U.S. on Android and iOS in the coming weeks. Proactive traffic alerts: Users will receive advanced notice of nearby traffic disruptions from Gemini, even if they aren't actively navigating. This feature has already started rolling out in the U.S. exclusively on Android. Lens in Maps: "Once you arrive, you can still rely on Gemini to explore," the blog boasts. Users will be able to tap on the camera icon in the app, and information for different restaurants, cafes, shops and landmarks will appear. The feature is supported by Google Lens, a visual AI search tool developed by the company. This feature will start to roll out gradually later this month in the U.S. on Android and iOS.

Gemini AI to Transform Google Maps Into a More Conversational Experience

Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required -- now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up -- known as "hallucinations" in tech speak -- but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress -- or disappoint -- with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.

Why Google Wants You to Be Conversational With Its Updated Maps App

Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required -- now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up -- known as "hallucinations" in tech speak -- but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress -- or disappoint -- with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The early-rate deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, November 14, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

Gemini update to Google Maps sounds like having a local expert in the passenger seat | Stuff

Google is adding Gemini live conversation to Maps, making it easier to plan stops along your route, while integrating Google Calendar Google has announced a major update for Google Maps with, you guessed it, the Gemini AI platform doing the heavy lifting. In a blog post today, the company announced "conversational" route planning that's completely hands free, enabling you to ask more complex questions with bespoke local knowledge while focusing on the road ahead. It'll make like easier when finding a restaurant to fit your dietary needs, or an electric car charger (Android first) along your route. Any commands will easily amend the route, allow you to share your ETA with friends, and even add other events to calendar as you think of them while driving without having to leave the Maps app. In the example Google users, the company writes: "You can get help with multi-step tasks, like: "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? ... What's parking like there?" Followed by, "OK, let's go there." You can even ask "Oh, by the way, can you also add a calendar event for soccer practice tomorrow for 5 p.m.?". It's pretty comprehensive, with drivers able to ask "what dishes are popular there?" allowing drivers to pre-game for the restaurant they're heading to. Furthermore, the "Hey Google" commend (or tapping the Gemini button in-app) makes it easier to report accidents and disruptions along the way. The Gemini integration doesn't end there, with Google Maps now calling out directions with help from Street View imagery. I noticed this the other day when Maps instructed me to turn at Wells Fargo Bank rather than onto Atlantic Boulevard as usual. And sure enough, the feature is rolling out on Android and iOS in the US initially. Overall, this feels like a helpful use of Gemini's capabilities that doesn't take money out of anyone's pocket or destroy anyone's livelihood, so we're all in on this one.

Gemini AI to transform Google Maps into more conversational experience

The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. Google Maps is heading in a new direction with artificial intelligence sitting in the passenger's seat. Fueled by Google's Gemini AI technology, the world's most popular navigation app will become a more conversational companion as part of a redesign announced Wednesday. The hands-free experience is meant to turn Google Maps into something more like an insightful passenger able to direct a driver to a destination while also providing nearby recommendations on places to eat, shop or sightsee, when asked for the advice. "No fumbling required - now you can just ask," Google promised in a blog post about the app makeover. The AI features are also supposed to enable Google Maps to be more precise by calling out landmarks to denote the place to make a turn instead of relying on distance notifications. AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of making things up - known as "hallucinations" in tech speak - but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road. All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps' database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years. Google Maps' new AI capabilities will be rolling out to both Apple's iPhone and Android mobile devices. That will give Google's Gemini a massive audience to impress - or disappoint - with its AI prowess, given the navigation app is used by more than 2 billion people around the world. Besides making it even more indispensable, Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that helps give Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT. Prodded by OpenAI's release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI. The changes have included an overhaul of Google's ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasised a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.

Google Maps gets a smarter, more 'human' co-pilot

Is it just me, or has it always felt like Google Maps just barked orders? "Turn right in 300 feet," it might say, like a backseat driver lacking any sense of humor. However, those days seem to be over. With its latest update, Maps will now feel less like a GPS and more like a co-pilot that's actually listening and talking back. Try asking for directions on where to stop for coffee, where the traffic's easing up, or what that strange-looking building is on your left. Google is blending its Gemini AI smarts into Maps, an app that billions already rely on without thinking. For most users, it feels like a turning point, where your map is no longer just giving directions. It's engaging in a conversation about your entire trip. Google Maps learns to think (and talk) like you Up until now, Google Maps has been a dependable but mostly dull travel companion. However, by layering in its Gemini AI, Google isn't just updating Maps; it's giving it a personality. From arrows to answers: improved Google Maps While commuting, Maps sounded like a drill sergeant: "Turn, merge, exit." Now, with Gemini AI, it has learned how to talk. The app doesn't just look to guide; it converses, suggests, and even predicts what users want to know next. If a driver asks about pit stops or landmarks, it answers like a friend riding shotgun. Google Maps' new features: * Hands-Free Chat Inside Maps: Say goodbye to frantic screen-tapping at red lights. Maps can now respond with real options, live reviews, web data, and your current route to offer more refined results. * Landmark-Based Directions: The app will now be more context-aware and specific. So instead of "Turn right in 300 meters," you'll hear "Turn left after the Tesla supercharging station" or "Go past the mall on your right." * Proactive Traffic Alerts: Even if your navigation isn't open, Maps will now be able to ping you when your regular route's back up and running. * Lens with AI: You can now point your camera at a restaurant, park, or monument, and ask, "What's this place known for?" and Gemini will instantly respond with reviews, more photos, or public information. * Smarter App Tie-Ins: Maps can now converse with Calendar and other Google apps to handle things virtually hands-free. Why Google's big AI bet matters everywhere you drive Without a better understanding of the numbers, it's easy to forget the massive scale of Google Maps. This isn't exactly a niche tech update, but rather, a shift that affects billions of people. When Google layers Gemini into Maps, it's not about upgrading directions; it's effectively reprogramming how we move, search, and even shop on the go. Google Maps by the numbers * 2+ billion users worldwide: As of 2024, Google Maps is said to serve more than 2 billion people every month. * Dominant on smartphones: Another report pegs it at a whopping 154.4 million monthly U.S. users, preferred by roughly 70% of smartphone owners. * Gemini's reach expands: The standalone Gemini app just struck 650 million monthly active users in Q3 2025, up 200 million since July. * Rivals follow from behind: Apple Maps is layering Apple Intelligence into navigation and using Look Around imagery in training visual models - a key move, but with a remarkably smaller user base. What's live now, and what's still loading Like a lot of Google launches over the years, this one's mostly a mix of "already here" and "coming soon." Some drivers may already be hearing Gemini's voice replacing Google Assistant in Maps. U.S. Android users in particular are likely to be already getting early proactive traffic alerts on their usual routes. Nevertheless, the more fleshed-out upgrades, such as the full-on chat in Maps, along with the new Lens feature, are still in the oven. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. This story was originally published November 8, 2025 at 11:33 AM.