Google Maps Gets Huge Gemini AI Upgrade: Assistant is Retired

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Google has expanded Gemini AI across its ecosystem, bringing the technology to Pixel phones, Wear OS 6, Android Auto, and Google TV. The most recent apps to receive AI are Google Home and Google Maps. has joined this growing list of AI-powered platforms.

Today, the search giant unveiled Gemini for Google Maps alongside an AI-focused redesign. Just like most Google apps, Maps also gets a new Gemini icon on the top of the app while navigation is on. This replaces the former Google Assistant icon with a Gemini one. The AI will also give you useful alerts about traffic jams. The feature is called Proactive traffic alerts. Google Lens inside Maps is also now powered by Gemini AI.

Google Maps gets Gemini AI upgrade

Google Maps has just announced Gemini AI integration. Imagine having an intelligent passenger who knows everything about your route, can answer complex questions, and never needs to look at a screen. That’s essentially what Google has created with Gemini integration in Maps. This marks the first truly hands-free, conversational driving experience in the platform’s history.

The system leverages Google’s vast repository of real-world information combined with Gemini’s natural language processing capabilities. The result? You can now have actual conversations with your navigation app, asking multi-layered questions and getting instant, relevant answers—all without touching your phone.

Features Coming to Google Maps

Hands-Free Task Management While Driving

The most impressive aspect of this update is how naturally you can interact with Maps while keeping your eyes on the road. Need to find a specific type of restaurant? Simply ask: “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles?” Then follow up with: “What’s parking like there?” and finally, “OK, let’s go there.”

But it doesn’t stop at navigation. Gemini can integrate with your Calendar (with your permission) to handle tasks like adding events. You could say, “Can you also add a calendar event for soccer practice tomorrow for 5 p.m.?” and it’s done automatically. Want to know about popular dishes at your destination or catch up on last night’s game? Just ask.

For the safety-conscious driver community, reporting traffic disruptions has become incredibly simple. A quick “I see an accident,” “Looks like there’s flooding ahead,” or “Watch out for that slowdown” instantly contributes to the real-time traffic ecosystem that helps other drivers. This feature will begin rolling out in the coming weeks on both Android and iOS wherever Gemini is available, with Android Auto support coming later.

Landmark-Based Navigation: Finally, Directions That Make Sense

We’ve all experienced that moment of confusion when told to “turn right in 500 feet.” How far is that exactly? Should you turn at the next intersection or the one after? Google has solved this age-old problem with landmark-based navigation powered by Gemini.

Instead of relying solely on distances, traffic lights, and stop signs, Maps will now reference easily recognizable landmarks like gas stations, restaurants, and famous buildings. You’ll hear directions like “turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant” while seeing the landmark highlighted on your map as you approach.

The technology behind this is fascinating. Gemini analyzes Google Maps’ comprehensive database of 250 million places and cross-references it with Street View imagery to identify the most useful, street-visible landmarks along your route. This ensures that the guidance is both accurate and genuinely helpful. This feature is already rolling out on Android and iOS in the United States.

Proactive Traffic Alerts: Know Before You Go

One of the most frustrating aspects of driving is being caught off-guard by unexpected traffic. Google Maps is now addressing this with proactive traffic alerts that notify you of disruptions even when you’re not actively navigating.

Whether it’s an unexpected road closure or a heavy traffic jam forming on your usual route, Maps will give you a heads-up before you’re stuck in it. This allows you to adjust your plans or choose an alternative route before you even get in the car. Currently, this feature is rolling out in the United States on Android devices.

Lens with Gemini: Your Visual Information Assistant

The integration of Google Lens with Gemini takes exploration to the next level. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can continue leveraging AI to discover what’s around you.

Ever wondered about the highly-rated dishes at a restaurant you’re passing? Curious if that bakery has French butter croissants? Now you can find out instantly. Simply tap the camera icon in the search bar, point your phone at restaurants, cafes, shops, or landmarks, and when pins appear, tap the mic to ask questions.

You can inquire naturally: “What is this place and why is it popular?” or “What’s the vibe inside?” The combination of Gemini’s AI capabilities and Google Maps’ extensive knowledge of global locations provides immediate, useful answers that help you decide if a place is worth visiting. This feature begins rolling out gradually later in November in the U.S. on both Android and iOS.