Google Maps brings Gemini assistant to all navigation modes, adds conversational routing and app actions

Google Maps

Google Maps has begun rolling out Gemini for navigation, expanding the assistant’s reach beyond place listings and Lens to cover every navigation mode. The update replaces Google Assistant for navigation tasks and places a Gemini spark icon in the top right of the map. On activation the icon briefly shows a four colour ring before settling to a blue variant, signalling that Gemini is ready to take voice commands during a journey.

Gemini works with driving, walking, cycling and public transport navigation. Users can still say “Hey Google” to wake the assistant, and then issue both single and multi step requests. Routine navigation controls now include commands such as “Navigate home”, “Stop navigating”, “Add stop”, “Mute guidance”, “Avoid tolls” and “Show alternative routes”. For route information users can ask “What’s my next turn?”, “When will I arrive?” and “What’s the weather like at my destination?”.

Beyond simple route queries, Gemini supports richer, conversational exchanges that combine search with context aware recommendations. For example you can ask for “a budget friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route” and follow with “What’s parking like there?” If you decide to visit a suggested place, a subsequent “OK, let’s go there” will set the route. Gemini can also perform ancillary tasks such as adding calendar events, for instance “Add a calendar event for soccer practice tomorrow at 5 p.m.” This illustrates how Google intends Gemini to act as a full assistant while you navigate.

Reporting road issues is conversational too. You can tell Gemini “There’s traffic on the road”, “There’s construction up ahead” or “There’s a car breakdown causing congestion” and expect the assistant to register the report. On Android the assistant supports common voice actions, including “Call Mom”, “Send a text to Larry” and media controls such as “Play some jazz” or “Stop playing music”. The assistant can also access linked apps and extensions for tasks like “Summarise my latest emails” or “When’s my next meeting?”.

Google announced that Gemini for Maps navigation would roll out in the weeks following its early November reveal. The deployment is gradual and still limited in scope; at present the feature appears active on a small number of devices and accounts. Expect a wider release in the coming weeks, with Google continuing to refine responses and expand availability across Android and iOS.