- Google introduces new Gemini features in Google Maps
- These new features include stronger voice commands and improved directions.
- Google Maps will also benefit from a special version of Lens, provided by Gemini
Google is gradually replacing the old Google assistant in most of its apps and services in favor of Gemini, and the latest app to get this AI-powered update is Google Maps.
The popular navigation app will soon get a full update with Gemini, which Google promises soon new blog post the introduction of four new features designed primarily for drivers.
Some sound promising, others may be considered distractions, depending on your tolerance for talking on the phone while driving. For example, Google announces that it will be possible to chat with Gemini on Google Maps to ‘keep up with yesterday’s sports scores or today’s news’.
Overall, though, these new Gemini features seem like a step up from Google Assistant in Google Maps — here’s a look at the key new features and when they’ll be available on Android and iOS.
1. Gemini language support
- Intended use: Android Auto will be available later in the “coming weeks” on Android and iOS in all regions where Gemini is available.
Navigate more easily by simply asking: YouTube
While the current Google Assistant built into Maps offers some useful services, many of them feel dated, in part because it can’t answer complex questions in multiple steps.
Google says the Gemini update for Maps will fix this issue. In the example shown, the user asks for “an inexpensive restaurant with vegan options down the road, a few miles or less away.”
After getting a tip, you can of course ask questions like “How’s the parking there?” “” or “What are the most popular dishes?” It is also possible to ask you to add individual events to Google Calendar when you are connected to Gemini. Whether this really works in practice remains to be seen.
Perhaps the most tangible improvement is still the ability to report traffic interruptions via voice input. It is common to have to manipulate the screen to report or confirm an incident in Maps; This feature would help prevent this, which would be a real plus.
- Preliminary advice: Reporting voice incidents seems useful, but discussing local recommendations with Google Maps depends on how much you trust the app’s local information.
2. More detailed information and operating advice
- Intended use: Now available in the US for Android and iOS. There is no date for other regions.
Attractions: Reach your destination with real attractions – YouTube
An interesting idea on paper. Google realizes that general instructions like “turn right in 150 meters” sometimes don’t make much sense at high speeds on highways.
To solve this problem, Gemini would compare local Street View imagery with current Google Maps data from 250 million locations to incorporate visual cues into directions.
For example, you can say “Turn right after Thai Siam Restaurant” and the location will be marked on the map. An approach that seems useful in theory, but is limited to the US at the moment, and this reliance on a highly accurate local database could delay rapid global implementation.
- Preliminary advice: a promising improvement if it lives up to its promises, but its arrival in other countries remains uncertain.
3. Traffic announcements outside the navigation
- Intended use: It’s already on the way for Android in the US, there’s no date yet for iOS or other regions.
No Proactive Navigational Warnings: Avoid Traffic Before Entering – YouTube
This feature is primarily aimed at small daily trips that don’t necessarily require active navigation from Google Maps.
On Android, Maps can now “proactively warn you of road interruptions” even without active navigation. Practical, for example to prevent an unexpected traffic jam on your usual route or water damage.
It’s not a revolution, but if it allows you to escape traffic for half an hour, it’s a feature you shouldn’t overlook.
- Preliminary advice: a little more convenience for Maps regulars, but reserved for Android in the US for now.
4. A version of Google Lens from Gemini, integrated into Maps
- Intended use: later this month on Android and iOS, with no date for other countries.
Lens in Maps: Gain insights with Lens built with Gemini – YouTube
Google doesn’t want to make Maps a simple “informed co-pilot,” as the brand describes it. With a new lens feature added to Gemini, the app can also help you get recommendations when you arrive at your destination.
By tapping the new camera icon in the search bar, you can aim your phone (like Lens) to identify visible nearby restaurants, bars, shops or landmarks. For those marked with the guidance icon, it is possible to interact with Maps and ask questions such as: “What is this and why is this place popular?” » or “How’s the atmosphere there?” »
Again, this represents an ideal scenario: effectiveness must be evaluated under real-world conditions. But in theory, this alliance between Google Maps and Gemini could become a powerful tool for travelers or to quickly get information about nearby places. Hopefully it will become more widespread outside the US.
- Preliminary advice: The appeal will depend on how we use Google Lens, but the potential for future smart glasses is clear.
- Pixel 10: Google is preparing a major graphics update
- Google Gemini powers the OnePlus 15: personal AI becomes reality
- Google Photos turns your photos into videos using artificial intelligence