Google Maps is introducing new features powered by Gemini, Google’s advanced AI model, to improve the user experience and provide more helpful information. With these updates, U.S. users can now rely on AI to explore new places and receive answers about specific locations. The enhanced AI integration allows users to ask questions directly, such as “things to do with friends at night,” and receive tailored recommendations like visiting a speakeasy or catching live music. Gemini will also give users summaries of popular opinions on these places and respond to follow-up questions, such as whether a spot offers outdoor seating.
New navigation tools are part of this update as well, with the goal of making travel more straightforward, particularly in unfamiliar or complex areas. For example, Google Maps will highlight essential details like lanes, crosswalks, and road signs, showing users the correct lane to be in well in advance. It will also highlight nearby landmarks, scenic views, and dining options along the route, helping users explore areas more easily. Once users reach their destination, Maps will identify nearby parking options and even provide a reminder to save their parking location. From there, users can use augmented reality (AR) or Street View for precise walking directions from their parked car to their final destination.
Additional features will enable drivers to view and report road conditions affected by weather, such as areas with flooding or limited visibility. The expanded Immersive View feature, which provides a 3D model of destinations, is now accessible in 150 cities worldwide, adding locations like Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt to its list.
These updates reflect Google’s efforts to enhance Maps with tools that make navigation and location discovery easier, keeping it competitive with other navigation apps like Apple Maps.
