Google has launched a conversational interface and updated navigation features in Maps, both powered by Gemini.
Travelers can use natural language within the Ask Maps experience, asking questions about recommended scenic stops on the way to a destination or to identify something specific, like public tennis courts with lights to play at night.
“Previously, finding this information meant lots of research and sifting through reviews. But now, you can just tap the ‘Ask Maps’ button and get your questions answered conversationally, with a customized map to help you visualize your options,” Miriam Daniel, VP and general manager of Google Maps, wrote in a blog post.
It also provides personalized results based on users’ previous searches and saves in Maps. After identifying a location, users can save the destination, navigate to it or book restaurant reservations.
“Ask Maps is uniquely helpful—tapping into Maps’ fresh information about the world to show you everything you need to know before you go, personalizing responses to you and making it easy to turn plans into action,” Daniel wrote.
Ask Maps has already started rolling out in the U.S. and India on Android and iOS, with Google noting that desktop capability is “coming soon.”
The second update, dubbed Immersive Navigation, includes visual and functional updates to Google Maps. This marks the largest update in more than 10 years, Google said.
According to Google, the map now “comes to life” with a 3D view of buildings, overpasses and terrain. This improves confidence while traveling, Google said, with Gemini models analyzing data to highlight crosswalks, stop signs and additional details along the route.
Additionally, the immersive feature will also give travelers more intuitive directions, clearer explanations about alternative routes and a better understanding of what to expect upon arrival, from the parking situation to the building entrance.
Immersive Navigation rolled out to U.S. users as of Thursday and will expand to eligible iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto and cars with built-in Google capabilities.
Last October, Google launched its Google Maps tool in its artificial intelligence-powered Gemini API, allowing developers to use Google Maps' data for their apps.
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