Google Boosts Maps Capabilities With New Gemini Navigation Features
In Focus
- Google is replacing Google Maps AI assistant with Gemini navigation
- Gemini navigation is accessible on Android and iOS in the U.S.
- In Maps, Gemini can understand context and follow-up questions
In a move that will replace the Google Maps AI assistant navigation, Alphabet has started rolling out Gemini AI inside Maps. According to Gadgets360, Google Maps’ Gemini navigation will enable users to navigate destinations, find places, and share estimated arrival time with others, and will be based on voice commands.
Improving Hands-Free Experience With Gemini Navigation
According to the U.S. tech giant, Gemini in Google Maps is designed to ease navigation while improving the hands-free experience. The new feature does this by eliminating the need for users to recall and voice specific phrases.
The search giant first announced the Google Maps Gemini rollout on November 5, 2025. The new feature works on all navigation modes in Google Maps, including walking and driving.
Google has been working to expand the application of Gemini AI across its platforms. In September 2025, the tech giant gave AI Mode a visual search upgrade to enable online shoppers to use images and text in a single search.
To further give buyers a smarter shopping experience, the tech giant recently added AI agents to AI Mode Search and the Gemini app.
Gemini Navigation Access Limited to the U.S.
Google has updated its support page to show that Gemini AI is now live on Google Maps. Currently, the navigation feature is only accessible to users in the U.S. on both Android and iOS.
The Google Maps update 2025 offers users a set of unique features like:
- Ability to translate texts into other languages
- Ability to request for recommendations about travel routes
- Conversational Gemini Live experience activation
- Automatic event scheduling capabilities
- News and sports updates
- Landmark-based navigation
- Lens with Gemini
The update allows drivers to report traffic disruptions using natural language like “I see an accident”. However, this feature is currently available to Android users. The company brings Gemini AI to Google Maps days after it added the “My Stuff” hub on the Gemini app homepage.
How to Use Gemini Navigation in Google Maps
To access Gemini in Google Maps, users have to open the Google Maps app on their devices. They can activate the feature by either tapping the “Gemini spark” icon in the top-right corner or simply saying “Hey Google”.
With Gemini in Google Maps activated, users can ask the feature for help with information relating to their trip. This could include EV charging stations, restaurants along the route, parking options, or common menu items in specific restaurants.
Gemini in Maps is capable of understanding contextual and follow-up questions. For instance, a user can deepen the conversation with the app using follow-up questions like:
- Is there a restaurant offering vegan options along this route?
- What is the price of a vegan meal there?
- How’s the parking situation there?
- Navigate to that restaurant?
For Android users, Gemini supports deeper interactions in Maps, enabling it to connect to other apps, summarize emails, share arrival times with contacts, and schedule calendar events without leaving the navigation screen.
