Google Maps gets Gemini AI: Here’s what will change for users

Google Maps is about to feel a lot smarter. Google is rolling out Gemini AI inside Maps, making it more like chatting with a helpful friend sitting next to you in the car. The new update promises a hands-free, conversational experience that can do everything from finding restaurants to adding events to your calendar — all while you keep your hands on the wheel.

With Gemini built in, you can simply talk to Google Maps instead of tapping on your phone. For instance, you could say, “Find a vegan-friendly restaurant along my route that’s not too expensive,” and then follow up with, “What’s parking like there?” or “Add soccer practice to my calendar for tomorrow at 5 p.m.” Gemini will connect with your Calendar and handle it for you. You can even ask it for restaurant recommendations, popular dishes, or catch up on last night’s game — all through voice.

Google is also making directions feel more natural. Instead of hearing “turn right in 500 feet,” you’ll now get cues based on real-world landmarks. So Maps might say, “turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant,” and you’ll see it marked clearly on your map. Gemini does this by analyzing information about millions of places and cross-checking it with Street View images — so you always know exactly where to go.

Another upgrade aims to help you beat traffic before you’re in it. Even if you’re not using navigation, Google Maps can now alert you about heavy traffic, accidents, or road closures ahead. These proactive traffic alerts are already rolling out in the U.S. on Android.