Google Maps is getting new AI features powered by Gemini

Google Maps is taking navigation and exploration to the next level with a host of new features powered by Gemini, Google’s cutting-edge generative AI model. Announced Thursday, the latest updates are set to revolutionize how users across the U.S. explore, navigate, and experience their surroundings, with AI now serving as a helpful guide to answer questions, suggest activities, and ensure smooth, informed travel from start to finish.

These updates aim to position Google Maps as an even stronger contender in the competitive world of navigation apps, providing a seamless experience that bridges gaps left by Apple Maps and newer navigation apps. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming:

Discover Hidden Gems and Local Hotspots with Gemini’s Recommendations

Imagine you’re planning a night out with friends but need fresh ideas for things to do. Now, simply ask Google Maps for “things to do with friends at night,” and Gemini will curate a personalized list of suggestions, whether it’s exploring a hidden speakeasy, attending a live music show, or checking out the latest food festival. Not only does this help spark ideas, but it makes discovering new spots easier and more enjoyable.

To ensure that you have all the details you need, each recommended location is accompanied by a brief summary, pulling in insights from reviews so you can see what others thought. If you’re curious about a specific detail—say, whether a place has outdoor seating—Gemini has you covered. Just ask, and it will provide answers directly, saving you from endless scrolling or toggling between tabs.

Smarter Navigation: Lane Guidance, Points of Interest, and More

For anyone who’s ever had to merge at the last minute or miss an exit on unfamiliar roads, Google Maps is introducing updates to make driving more intuitive. With clearer lane guidance and enhanced map details, including visual cues for crosswalks, road signs, and lane markings, Google Maps aims to help drivers feel confident and in control—even on the trickiest roads with multiple lanes, forks, and exits.

Before hitting the road, users can also now preview points of interest along their route. Enter your destination, and Maps will surface top landmarks, attractions, scenic spots, and dining options nearby, allowing you to discover popular places without going out of your way. Once at your destination, Maps will show you nearby parking lots and even offer to save your parking location to ensure you never lose track of your car. From there, walking directions will take you right to the entrance of your destination, complete with Street View and AR-enabled navigation for a more immersive experience.

Real-Time Weather Disruptions and Safer Roads

Google Maps is also incorporating real-time weather alerts for safer driving. Users can now view and report road conditions such as flooded streets, unplowed areas, or spots with low visibility directly on the map. This feature is designed to keep users informed and prepared, especially during unpredictable weather or seasonal road hazards.

Expanded Immersive View: New Cities and 3D Experiences

With its visually captivating Immersive View, Google Maps gives users the ability to explore select cities as if they were already there. This feature, which offers an intricate 3D model of a location, is expanding to 150 cities worldwide. New destinations, including Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt, are being added, allowing more users to get an immersive, real-time preview of landmarks, streets, and even the weather conditions at their chosen destination.

Bringing Gemini to Waze: Hands-Free Traffic Incident Reporting

Gemini’s influence is also reaching Google’s sister app, Waze, where it is currently being tested for voice-activated traffic reporting. Instead of navigating menus or tapping through options, Waze users can now report incidents simply by speaking to the app. With natural language processing, you can press the report button and say something like, “Looks like there are cars jammed up ahead,” and Waze will log the incident accordingly. This hands-free option is a big step towards safer, more efficient real-time reporting.

AI-Powered Review Summaries and Expanded Search Capabilities

Not stopping at navigation, Google has announced that similar Gemini-powered experiences will be coming to Google Search. Soon, users will benefit from AI-enhanced review summaries, making it easier to get an overview of a place based on customer experiences, without sifting through multiple reviews. And if you have additional questions, you’ll be able to ask directly and receive quick answers, bringing the search and Maps experiences closer together.

These features are now rolling out to Google Maps users across Android and iOS in the United States, with more updates on the way as Google plans to continue refining and expanding Gemini’s role in its suite of products. From travel planning to local exploration, Gemini is set to become the ultimate AI companion for Google Maps users, making every journey smoother, safer, and smarter.

With these powerful new tools, Google Maps isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about enriching every step of the journey, ensuring users have all the information they need for an optimized experience, no matter where they’re headed.