Google has spent the past year upgrading Maps with several AI-powered tools to make it easier for people to discover places and get real-time information. The company is now taking it further by integrating Gemini, its advanced AI assistant, into Maps to help drivers ask questions, improve navigation, and handle more tasks while on the road.
With the new update, drivers can talk to Gemini while driving to get instant answers about places along their route, hear news or sports updates, and even schedule events on their calendar. Gemini can also handle multiple questions in a natural conversation. For example, you can ask, âIs there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, maybe within a couple of miles?â and follow up with, âWhatâs parking like there?â Gemini responds in real time, helping drivers stay informed without losing focus on the road.
Drivers can also use Gemini to report traffic incidents directly through Maps. The app will automatically alert other users about traffic disruptions ahead, helping them find alternative routes before getting stuck.
Google has also enhanced navigation by combining Gemini with Street View data. Instead of hearing generic directions like âturn right in 500 feet,â drivers will now get clearer guidance based on real-world landmarks. Maps will mention nearby gas stations, restaurants, or well-known buildings and highlight them visually so users can identify their turns more easily.
According to Google, Gemini analyzes data from over 250 million locations and compares it with Street View imagery to pinpoint the most visible and helpful landmarks for navigation. This gives users more natural and intuitive driving instructions that match what they actually see on the road.
The update also connects Gemini with Google Lens to help users explore their surroundings. You can point your phoneâs camera at a restaurant, building, or landmark and ask, âWhat is this place and why is it popular?â Gemini then provides instant answers and background information.
Google plans to roll out the new Gemini-powered navigation features to both iOS and Android devices in the coming weeks. Android Auto support will follow soon. Traffic alerts will first reach Android users in the U.S., while the new landmark-based navigation will be available across both Android and iOS in the U.S. Lens with Gemini will also become active later this month in the same region.
These updates mark another major step in Googleâs effort to make Maps more than just a navigation app. By blending real-world visuals, conversational AI, and powerful search tools, Google aims to turn Maps into a true driving companion that anticipates user needs and makes every journey smoother.
