Last Thanksgiving, I drove over 1,000 miles with my dog in the back seat. Finding places to stop — especially dog-friendly restaurants and parks — meant constantly pulling my phone to search. It was inconvenient and added a lot of time to my trip, but hey, it was definitely better than one-handed searching on my phone while driving.
New update from Google Mapamped up by Gemini AIDesigned to help in such situations. The company announced today that it is adding Gemini’s conversational AI capabilities directly to the Maps app, bringing more natural and hands-free interactions to more than 2 billion Maps users worldwide.
Here’s everything new for Google Maps
Read more: Planning a holiday road trip? Here is my trick to use Google Maps without internet
Hands-free navigation comes to Google Maps
The most notable change is the addition of Gemini’s conversational mode while navigating. Drivers can now ask detailed, context-aware questions, such as where to find “a restaurant with vegan options and easy parking within a few miles” without typing or tapping.
Gemini can follow up on requests, such as adding a calendar reminder for soccer practice or checking the availability of EV chargers en route. On Android, it can share your ETA with contacts via voice.
Drivers can report the situation in real-time by saying something like “I see an accident ahead” or “This road is flooding,” and the map will add those safety warnings to other drivers on that route.
Google says Gemini-powered navigation will roll out to Android and iOS next week, with Android Auto support to follow.
In turn directions are becoming more visual
Google is also rethinking how Maps provides directions. Instead of “turn right in 500 feet,” Gemini can refer to real-world landmarks like “turn right after Thai Siam Restaurant” or “turn left before this stop light.”
According to Google, these landmark references come from its database of 250 million mapped locations, combined with Street View imagery to ensure drivers match what they see with what they hear.
This feature is now available for both Android and iOS in the US.
Early warning for traffic disruptions
A new active traffic alert feature will notify users of road closures, backups or other obstacles even when navigation is not active.
These alerts are being rolled out first to Android devices in the US and are designed to help drivers re-root before they get stuck.
Explore destinations with Gemini and Lens
When you reach your destination, Gemini wants to stay useful with its upgraded version the lens On Google Maps. By pointing your camera at a building or storefront, Gemini will identify what it is, summarize reviews, and highlight popular foods or items.
You can also ask follow-up questions like, “What is this place known for?” or “Is it usually busy at lunch?” And get AI-generated answers based on Google’s location data and user feedback
The update will roll out later this month for Android and iOS users in the US.
Read more: 7 Ways I Use Google Maps for Seamless Travel
Gemini’s integration brings Google Maps closer to being a true voice-first navigation assistant. AI’s ability to understand complex questions about routes, manage personal tasks while you drive, and describe surroundings could make daily commutes and road trips less stressful — and possibly safer.
If these tools were around last Thanksgiving, finding a place to stretch my legs, walk my pup and grab lunch was as simple as asking out loud instead of pulling into a random spot and hoping for the best.
Read more: My fall adventures just got a lot easier thanks to Google Lens: How to use it like a pro