Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Google launched Gemini upgrades to Google Maps.
- You can use Talk to Google Maps to find your destination.
- You can use Lens to learn more about your current location.
Gemini has been integrated across nearly all of Google’s offerings — and now it’s time for Google Maps’ AI facelift.
On Wednesday, the company launched four upgrades to Google Maps that make it easier for users to get where they want to go, including new multimodal features, such as conversational natural language prompts to find a stop en route or Lens to identify new places at your destination.
Also: I looked into the most popular AI apps, and the runner-up caught me by surprise
For a rundown of each new feature and how to access it, keep reading below.
1. Talk to Google Maps
Have you ever wished you could simply talk to your car or phone to help you get to where you need to go? Now you can, with Gemini in the Google Maps app.
Also: How to turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more – it’s easy to opt out of AI
When you are en route to your destination, Google said you can say something like, “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? … What’s parking like there?” and Gemini can help put together a response:
Beyond asking for a place to go along the way, you can also ask Gemini in the Google Maps app to add a calendar event, chat about current events, and even discuss places you are considering going to. Users can also use Gemini to report any incidents they encounter along the way. The major benefit is that, whether driving or walking, you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to get the information you need.
–>
2. Get more descriptive directions
Since the first GPS was launched, voice turn-by-turn directions have been limited to describing the next step by referring to the distance away from it, for example, “turn left in 600 feet.”
However, this approach can often become confusing, especially when driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods. To help, Gemini can now show you landmarks on the map that are easy to spot and provide clear directions, rather than simply saying, “Turn left after [insert name of restaurant].”
Also: You can try OpenAI’s popular Sora video app on Android and iOS now – for free
Gemini can do this task by analyzing Google Maps’ database of places and cross-referencing it with Street View images to identify the most credible landmarks along the path. This feature is now rolling out to both Android and iOS users in the US.
3. Proactive Traffic Alerts
To help users mentally prepare for standstill traffic, Google will now send notifications about potential road disruptions. For example, it could notify users of an upcoming closure or traffic jam. This feature is rolling out now in the US on Android:
4. Lens with Gemini
Leaning into multimodality, this latest Google Maps feature utilizes Lens to help users explore their destination once they arrive. Users can now have a conversation with Google Maps by tapping the camera icon in the search bar and using the camera to show Gemini places around them, such as restaurants, shops, or landmarks, and learn more about them:
Google said the feature uses Gemini’s summarization capabilities in conjunction with Google Maps’ understanding of places to provide answers you may need while traveling, such as a restaurant’s atmosphere, which can help you determine if the destination is worth the wait. This feature will roll out gradually later this month in the US on both Android and iOS.
Artificial Intelligence
<!–>
–>
