Google is making a major upgrade to its Google Maps app, integrating Gemini into the navigation experience on both Android and iOS, replacing Google Assistant. The new feature is described as a “hands-free driving experience,” similar to having a knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat to help navigate.
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Gemini will appear as a spark icon in the top right corner of the Google Maps app. Users can tap this icon or use the phrase “Hey Google” to ask questions about their trip, such as nearby restaurants, popular dishes, and parking availability. Additionally, users can ask about electric vehicle chargers along their route.
This navigation feature leverages Gemιni's conversational and summarization capabilities to navigate a massive database of 250 million businesses, including ratings, reviews, and photos, as well as other trusted online sources.
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Users can also report traffic disruptions conversationally, saying things like “I see an accident” or “Watch out for that slowdown.” Waze has recently introduced a similar Chat Report feature.
On the help side, users can access the full Gemini experience to connect apps to add appointments to their calendar, summarize email, or share their estimated time of arrival (ETA) on Android. Gemini can also provide updates on sports games or news.
The results from the questions will appear in a bottom sheet, displaying listing details and options for interaction, such as “Add stop” or “Call.”
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The Gemini navigation feature is set to roll out to the Google Maps app on Android and iOS in the coming weeks, where Gemini is available. Support for Android Auto is also coming soon, and Google is considering bringing the experience to CarPlay.
