Google Maps gets Gemini upgrade with fully hands-free navigation

Google Maps is starting to roll out a new navigation experience powered by Gemini. Announced earlier this month, Gemini now replaces Google Assistant in navigation, making it easier to get help while driving, walking, cycling, or using public transport. Visually, the new assistant is marked by a blue Gemini spark near the four-colour microphone in the top-right corner of the app, reports 9To5Google. When you first activate it, a brief four-colour ring appears before turning blue. You can still use the familiar “Hey Google” hotword to start commands.

Gemini can handle a wide range of navigation tasks. You can use simple commands like:

• “Navigate home”
• “Stop navigating”
• “Add stop”
• “Mute guidance”
• “Avoid tolls”
• “Show alternative routes”

It also provides helpful information about your route, such as:

• “What’s my next turn?”
• “When will I arrive?”
• “What’s the weather like at my destination?”
• “What’s my next stop?”

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Beyond basic navigation, Gemini can answer questions about places along your route. For example, you can ask:

• “Find me a cafe near my destination that serves vegan options.”
• “What’s the most popular dish on the menu?”
• “When does (Place Name) close?”

You can even have multi-step conversations. For instance, you could ask Gemini to suggest a budget-friendly restaurant along your route, check parking availability, and then direct you there. It can also add events to your calendar while guiding you, such as scheduling a soccer practice for tomorrow.

Gemini allows users to report issues in real-time too. You can say things like:

• “There’s traffic on the road.”
• “There’s construction up ahead.”
• “A car breakdown is causing congestion.”

The assistant also supports common voice actions on Android, like calling or texting someone, and controlling music:

• “Call Mom”
• “Send a text to Larry”
• “Play some jazz”

Since this is the full Gemini assistant, it can handle tasks across your apps, such as summarising emails, checking your calendar, or playing music via Spotify.