Google Maps Now Uses Gemini AI for Smarter Navigation and Route Planning

Google Maps Now Uses Gemini AI for Smarter Navigation and Route Planning

Google is rolling out new Gemini AI features in Google Maps, designed to make route planning and navigation more conversational and personalized. The update brings smarter assistance, local insights, and landmark-based directions all powered by Gemini’s advanced AI capabilities.

According to Google Maps product director Amanda Moore, the goal is simple: to make Maps feel like “your all-knowing copilot,” offering the right information exactly when you need it and taking the stress out of getting from point A to point B.

Conversational Route Planning

With the latest update, users can now ask Gemini AI open-ended questions directly in Google Maps whether they’re driving or walking. For example, you can ask for restaurant recommendations along your route, or request Gemini to adjust your directions to include a specific stop.

You can also get summaries of local events, traffic hazards, or even relevant emails and news updates while commuting. To activate Gemini, simply say “Hey Google” or tap the Gemini icon in the top-right corner of Google Maps.

Connected Across Google Apps

Gemini connects with your other Google tools, too. You can add Calendar reminders, check messages, or plan errands while still chatting with Gemini inside the Maps interface.

“It’s connecting the dots between trusted web information, Maps community reviews, and Google’s rich geospatial data,” said Vishal Dutta, group product manager for Google Maps. “Gemini pulls everything together into one clear, helpful answer you can act on instantly while on the go.”

Landmark-Based Navigation and Smarter Directions

Google Maps is also improving its audible guidance system. Instead of saying, “Turn left in 200 meters,” Gemini might now say, “Turn left after the Shell gas station” or “Pass the coffee shop on your right.”

This is possible because Gemini can analyze billions of Street View images and cross-reference them with over 250 million mapped locations, making directions feel more natural and intuitive.

Proactive Traffic Alerts and Visual Discovery

A new Proactive Traffic Alerts feature ensures users are notified of crashes, construction, or road closures even if they haven’t opened the app. Gemini monitors your usual routes in the background and gives early rerouting suggestions to help you avoid delays.

Additionally, users can now use Google Lens within Maps, powered by Gemini AI, to identify nearby landmarks or businesses. Just point your phone’s camera at a building or street sign, and Gemini will provide detailed information through natural conversation.

No “AI Hallucinations,” Google Promises

When asked about the risk of AI hallucinations, incorrect or made-up information, Google insists that Gemini’s new navigation tools are grounded in real-world datasets.

“We’ve really worked to ground this in our actual place information,” Moore explained. “So when you ask for places on your route, it’s using verified data from Google’s database—there shouldn’t be any hallucinations.”

Availability

The new Gemini-powered navigation features will be free for all signed-in Google Maps users, rolling out gradually on Android, iOS, and later on vehicles with Google built-in.

TechCity