It’s not hidden anymore that Google has been integrating Gemini into almost all of its apps and services in some way or another. Now, the company has announced a bunch of Gemini updates for Google Maps that will offer a “hands-free, conversational driving experience.”
You can ask Gemini to do a few things while navigating via Google Maps
Thanks to the latest update, Gemini can help you find places along your route just by asking. You can even ask it to look for EV charging stations around and share ETA with your family and friends. That’s not all; you can also ask the AI assistant to add tasks to your calendar lists. To do so, Gemini asks for your permission, though.
Speaking of multi-step tasks, Gemini is equally handy in Google Maps after the update. If you are driving and looking for some food along the route, you can simply ask, “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What’s parking like there?” You can follow up the questions with “OK, let’s go there,” and Maps will navigate accordingly. That said, you can be more specific about the places you are heading to. In this case, you can ask Gemini to search for popular cuisine at that restaurant.
Moving on, you can also report any traffic disruptions along the way just by mentioning them to Gemini. All the aforementioned features start rolling out next week to Google Maps on Android and iOS, where Gemini is available. Google says that a similar update for Android Auto is on the way.
As part of this update, Google is also adding landmarks like gas stations, restaurants, and famous buildings that are easy to spot along the route. Rather than hearing, “turn right in 500 feet,” you’ll hear “turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant.” You’ll also see the landmarks highlighted in the Maps. Gemini does all that by analyzing Google Maps’ information database and cross-referencing it with Street View images.
You can report road or traffic conditions just by mentioning them to Gemini
One of the nightmares while driving is heavy traffic and road disruptions, right? Not anymore, because Google Maps can give you a heads up about the traffic or road conditions along your way. Google calls it “Proactive traffic alerts,” and it is rolling out for Android users in the US.
Last but not least, you can also chat with Google Maps about highly-rated places that you pass by. You can simply tap on the camera in the search bar and point the camera towards the place you want to know more about. Once you see pins, you can ask questions about that place. The feature, which Google calls “Lens built with Gemini,” will gradually roll out to Google Maps on iOS and Android for users in the US later this month.
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