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Google says that it strives to keep its maps updated and relevant, which has led to more than 2 billion people using Google Maps every month. The company hopes to continue the app’s dominance with a raft of new features, including direct access to the Gemini AI. Instead of searching for a specific location or activity, you can tell Maps what mood you’re in, and Gemini will handle the rest.
Many of the Gemini demos we’ve seen involve planning parties, events, or other gatherings. Given the massive catalog of venues in Maps, that seems like a natural place to add Gemini, and it wouldn’t be the first AI features in Maps. When the new version rolls out, you’ll be able to start typing prompts or questions into the Maps search bar, allowing Gemini to swing into action.
The Gemini functionality in Maps won’t look like the standard chatbot interface. Google promises Gemini in Maps will draw on the wealth of location data on some 250 million locations around the world. You’ll get a nicely formatted list of places you should check out, along with images and summaries of reviews generated by the AI. You can even ask follow-up questions about the report provided by Maps. This feature should arrive in Google Maps on Android and iOS within the next week.
Credit: Google
Google Maps navigation was in beta for the better part of a decade. While it no longer bears that label, there’s still work to be done. Google says this update will also make some long-overdue changes to driving navigation. It will be quicker to add stops to your route with this update, and the newly enhanced navigation will be better about showing lanes, signage, and other indicators that will help you know when your turn is approaching. Plus, you’ll get handy suggestions for parking as you approach your destination, and Maps will remember where you parked. Enhanced navigation will arrive on Android and iOS this week, too, but it’s only supported in 30 metro areas to start. Google hasn’t specified which ones, though.
The last part of this update revolves around Immersive View, which uses photos and 3D rendering to give you a realistic bird’s eye view of streets and buildings. Google claims the new Maps update is the biggest update to Immersive View yet. The feature will be expanding to 150 cities around the world (up from 65 earlier this year), adding the likes of Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt. Immersive View for routes is also getting better with the ability to highlight your destination and parking options. This update is also rolling out this week in cities where Immersive View is available.
It’s unclear if an app update will be required, but Google can probably make most or all of these changes with server-side updates.