After much anticipation and numerous rumors about potential new features, Google Maps is getting a makeover with the arrival of Gemini, Google’s AI that finally gains deeper integration. There are many new features, because this isn’t just a simple technical update, but a completely revamped version that’s capable of transforming the driving experience.
But what are the main changes? The assistant is about to become a voice capable of communicating fluently and helping users solve multiple tasks simultaneously , all without taking their hands off the wheel, and this should lead to the first major benefit: making driving safer.
The new hands-free experience will allow you to talk to Gemini like a seasoned passenger. According to the official press release, you can ask, for example, “Find a cheap restaurant with vegan options along the route, within two miles” and immediately follow up with “What’s the parking like nearby?” Once you’ve chosen a restaurant, simply say “Add a reminder for tomorrow at 5 PM for soccer practice,” and the AI will add it to your calendar. All this is possible thanks to direct integration with services like Calendar and Gmail, if authorized.
Another major new feature is navigation based on real-world landmarks . Instead of saying “turn right in 500 meters,” Google Maps will now say “turn after the Thai Siam restaurant,” also displaying the building or location in question in the app. AI analyzes millions of Street View images and cross-references them with data from over 250 million locations, providing more natural and less ambiguous directions. This feature is already being rolled out in the United States and will soon be available on Android Auto .
Gemini also makes it easy to report real-time traffic: just say “I see an accident” or “there’s flooding” and the app will update the information for all other users. Proactive traffic notifications are also available, providing advance warning of delays or road closures even when you’re not in active navigation mode.
Once you arrive at your destination, Lens with Gemini comes into play, allowing you to point the camera at a restaurant or landmark and ask the assistant what it is or why it’s popular. The AI will respond with fun facts, reviews, and details, like a constantly updated local guide. You can find out which dishes are most popular at a restaurant or whether a bakery offers authentic French croissants, simply by talking to Maps.
Gemini for navigation will launch in the coming weeks on Android and iOS wherever it is available, with its Android Auto counterpart coming soon.