Google Maps is introducing hands-free, conversational navigation powered by Gemini, allowing drivers to find places along their routes, check electric vehicle chargers, and report traffic disruptions using natural language, all while keeping their hands on the wheel.
The AI assistant can handle multi-step tasks such as finding budget-friendly restaurants with specific dietary options, checking parking availability and adding calendar events automatically with user permission. Drivers can ask questions like “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? What’s parking like there?” followed by “OK, let’s go there.”
The update also enables instant traffic reporting through simple voice commands. Drivers can say “I see an accident,” “Looks like there’s flooding ahead” or “Watch out for that slowdown” to report disruptions immediately, according to Amanda Leicht Moore, Director of Product at Google Maps.
Landmarks visible from the street
Google Maps will now display landmarks, such as petrol stations, restaurants, and famous buildings, along routes, providing directions like “turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant” instead of distance-based instructions. Gemini analyses Google Maps’ information about 250 million places and cross-references it with Street View images to identify the most useful landmarks visible from the street.
The service will proactively notify users of road disruptions, such as unexpected closures or heavy traffic jams, even when they are not actively navigating. This feature is rolling out now in the US on Android.
Google is also integrating Lens with Gemini to help users identify places after arrival. Users can tap the camera in the search bar and hold their phone up to identify restaurants, cafes, shops or landmarks, then ask questions about the venue such as “What is this place and why is it popular?” or “What’s the vibe inside?”
Gemini in navigation will start rolling out in the coming weeks on Android and iOS, wherever Gemini is available, with Android Auto to follow. Landmark-based navigation is rolling out now on Android and iOS in the US, while Lens, built with Gemini, starts rolling out gradually later this month in the US on both Android and iOS.
