Google Maps Can Now Talk Back Thanks to Gemini—Here’s What It Can Do

Google Maps is getting a major update powered by Gemini, its AI assistant, aimed at making navigation more conversational and context-aware. The rollout begins this month for Android and iOS users in the U.S., with Android Auto support coming soon. Canada sadly will have to wait for the next expansion.

The update introduces a hands-free, voice-controlled navigation experience that lets drivers ask questions and give commands without touching their phones. Users can say things like “Find a vegan restaurant along my route,” “What’s parking like there?” or “Add soccer practice to my calendar for tomorrow.” Drivers can also report accidents or flooding simply by speaking, helping improve live traffic information.

Google is also adding landmark-based directions to make driving instructions clearer. Instead of generic commands like “turn right in 500 feet,” drivers will now hear references to recognizable places — for example, “turn right after Thai Siam Restaurant.” The feature relies on Maps data from over 250 million locations and Street View images to match what drivers actually see on the road. That’s so cool.

Another new feature, proactive traffic alerts, warns users about sudden slowdowns or road closures even when they’re not in navigation mode.

Once users arrive, they can use Lens with Gemini to explore surroundings through their phone’s camera. By pointing at a restaurant or store, users can ask questions like “What is this place known for?” or “Does this bakery sell croissants?” The tool combines Gemini’s AI responses with real-time data from Google Maps.

Google says the updates are designed to make Maps more intuitive and personalized, turning it into a “smarter co-pilot” for drivers and travellers.

This is a major update that makes Google Maps so much smarter. It puts pressure on Apple to step up its game with Apple Maps, which still has basic and dumb Siri.

Check out the demo videos below shared by Google today: