Google Maps with artificial intelligence

Google has built its latest AI model, Gemini, into Maps, bringing conversational route planning, more natural driving directions, and nearby landmarks. According to product director Amanda Moore, Google wants navigation to be like “a companion that knows everything and helps you get from point A to point B without stress.”

With the new feature, users can talk to an AI within the Maps app that combines geographic data with local information. For example, you can ask where the best restaurants are along the way and Gemini will automatically adjust the route. The AI also lets you report traffic accidents, read news, or receive email summaries while driving.

Gemini also integrates with other Google apps like Calendar and Gmail, so users can add reminders or check appointments without leaving Google Maps. “It’s like having a local expert in the passenger seat,” says product manager Vishal Dutta.

Instead of relying solely on distance, Gemini now uses recognizable points of interest, such as restaurants, gas stations, or bridges, to guide you, providing more natural audio directions. It uses billions of images (Street View) and data on over 250 million places around the world.

The new Proactive Traffic Alerts feature can monitor traffic in the background and automatically alert the user to traffic jams or closures before they even open the app.

With Google Lens integration, the user will be able to point the camera at a building or monument, and Gemini will immediately give them information about what it "sees."

All new features will be free and gradually available for Android, iOS and vehicles with Google built-in.