TL; DR
- Google Maps users can now interact with the app using natural language, asking complex queries that include a multi-step resolution.
- To achieve this, the Gemini AI comprehends natural language queries, breaks them down into actionable multi-step tasks, and provides answers in a logical, meaningful order.
- Beyond responding to your queries, the Gemini AI assistant in Maps will also provide proactive suggestions and important tips.
- While these updates are related to navigation, the Gemini AI assistant, from within the Google Maps interface, can also access other Google Apps, such as Calendar, and add events to mark planned visits.
Google Maps is getting a new feature in India that makes navigating and exploring easier and smarter. The company is integrating its Gemini AI assistant into Maps to offer a hands-free, conversational driving experience.
You Can Now Communicate With Google Maps Using Natural Language
Google Maps users can now interact with the app using natural language, asking complex queries that include a multi-step resolution. For instance, you can ask Maps to find a restaurant along the way to your office that serves a great breakfast and has higher user ratings, or get recommendations for nearby places, without touching their smartphones. Now it not only makes navigation more convenient but also safer for drivers.
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The AI Assistant Compiles Information From The Internet and User-Generated Reviews
To achieve this, the Gemini AI comprehends natural language queries, breaks them down into actionable multi-step tasks, and provides answers in a logical, meaningful order. The answers may also include user-generated reviews, photos, and other up-to-date, relevant information about a place. For instance, the assistant can tell you whether a restaurant has parking or highlight the best stalls in a market, all within the Maps interface through hands-free interaction.
Proactive Suggestions To Make Your Travel Seamless
Beyond responding to your queries, the Gemini AI assistant in Maps will also provide proactive suggestions and important tips. For example, it can tell you whether bargaining is common at a particular local market or warn about peak visiting hours and the prevalence of rush for specific venues, helping users make the most of their time. Powering the insightful information and suggestions is Google’s rich dataset of 35 million places in India and 250 million globally.
Globally, Google is also using AI to improve its audible directions features by training the system on visual cues, such as distinctive gas stations and other landmarks on Google Street View. Then there’s the Proactive Traffic Alerts feature that helps routine commuters by informing them about closures, crashes, or construction on the route, and suggesting alternative routes.
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Furthermore, users can now use Google Lens with Maps, another feature that leverages Gemini’s image processing capabilities to provide more information about the location in a picture.
Interoperability with Other Google Apps Unlocks More Convenience
While these updates are related to navigation, the Gemini AI assistant, from within the Google Maps interface, can also access other Google Apps, such as Calendar, and add events to mark planned visits. Although the company didn’t mention any other apps, such as Gmail, in the blog post, I believe the assistant should also be able to read and respond to emails with simple voice commands.
These features are currently being rolled out to Android and iOS users of Google Maps in India. The update is a part of 10 new features aimed at making travel safer and more convenient in India, with insights related to local requirements such as detailed parking information, live updates, and proactive travel tips.
Other India-Specific Google Map Updates
- New Two-Wheeler Navatars: Indian two-wheeler riders can now customize their navigation icons. People can choose from classic motorbikes, sports bikes, or scooters in eight vibrant colors. The feature will roll out to Indian users over the coming weeks.
- Google Maps is adding new voice support for flyovers for clearer, hands-free audio guidance in nine Indian languages. The voice cues prepare you for upcoming flyovers.
- Google is also bringing easy metro ticket management with Google Wallet.
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This development marks a shift from a purely map-based navigation app to an intelligent digital travel companion that’s intuitive, interactive, and informational. The update puts conversational AI front and center, making Google Maps capable of handling nuanced, real-world queries.
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