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.
