Google gave Maps‘ navigation a powerful AI boost with Gemini back in early November last year. Meant to give users hands-free assistance, like finding places along your route, finding EV chargers, sharing your ETA with friends, and more,
Up until now, the chatty presence has only been able to help you while you were driving. Now, the assistant is finally getting out of the car.
Gemini for Maps is now launching for walking and cycling, bringing the conversational navigation assistant to all modes of transportation that actually require smart assistance.
The rollout is global. That means Gemini for navigation is now rolling out to all wherever Gemini is available. This applies to both Android and iOS Google Maps users.
It’s now easier to find noteworthy places along your route
If you’re walking or cycling through a new area in your city, Gemini will now be able to give you quick, on the go, hands-free answers with contextual awareness.
You should be able to ask “OK Google, what neighborhood am I in?” and Gemini will give you contextually aware answers. You can follow up your request with “What are top-rated restaurants nearby?” and the AI tool will leverage Maps’ massive database of real-time information to give you relevant information.
If you’re cycling, Gemini gives you hands-free help so you can stay safe and focused on the road. Ask ‘What’s my ETA?’ or ‘When’s my next meeting?’ Running late? Say ‘Text Sarah I’m 10 minutes behind,’ and your message will send while you keep a grip on the handlebars.
The latter, of course, will only be possible if you give Gemini explicit permission to connect with your messages. The same goes for asking it to add something to your calendar, or other connected app-related activity.
Gemini for Google Maps walking and cycling is rolling out now to all Android and iOS users globally. Is the AI assistant available to you in Maps yet? Let us know in the comments below!
