Gemini Present On Google Maps: Smarter And Interactive Driving Experience

Googlee Maps, now powered by Gemini (photo; x @googlemaps).

JAKARTA - Google has officially integrated its flagship AI technology, Gemini, into the Google Maps app to provide a smarter, more interactive, and completely hands-free driving experience. This large update brings conversation search features to find places along routes, proactive traffic notices, and landmark-based directions.

This update starts rolling out next week for Android and iOS users in the United States, although a number of features will be exclusive for Android users first.

Through this update, users can now talk directly with Gemini when using Google Maps. Simply with voice commands, users can ask for help finding a place to eat efficiently with a vegan menu along the route, asking for parking conditions, to directly navigate to that location by saying, 'OK, we'll go there.' Gemini can also help find an electric car charging station (EV), share an estimated arrival time (ETA) with family, and even add tasks to the calendar' all with user permission.

Google also adds a more natural directional pointing system. Instead of rigid instructions such as right turn in 500 feet, users will hear landmark-based clues such as right turn after the Thai Siam restaurant. Landmarks such as gas stations, restaurants, and well-known buildings will also be displayed on the map. This feature works thanks to Gemini's ability to analyze Google Maps database and match it with the image of Street View.

In addition, the Proactive Traffic Alerts' feature is here to provide early warnings about traffic conditions and road disruptions on the route to be traversed. Users can also report road conditions only by mentioning them to Gemini.

It doesn't stop there, Google introduces Lens built with Gemini, which allows users to browse the place with the camera. Just point the camera at a location, and users can directly ask for information about the place. This visual AI-based feature will also be present on Google Maps for Android and iOS in the US later this month.

This integration continues Google's great steps in bringing Gemini to almost all of its services. After Gmail, Docs, and YouTube, now it's Google Maps' turn to turn into a smart travel assistant ready to accompany the driver without the need to touch the screen, just with a natural conversation along the way.

The journey became more relaxed, without a drama crash or sudden traffic jams because, yes, Gemini are now in the front seat.