Google is enhancing its Maps app with the integration of Gemini, its AI assistant, to make navigation safer and more intuitive, especially while driving. The new features, rolling out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks—with Android Auto support to follow—allow users to interact with Maps hands-free, using voice commands to find places, check for EV chargers, share real-time ETAs, and perform multi-step tasks without taking their hands off the wheel. With Gemini, drivers can ask complex, conversational questions about their route. For example, they can inquire, “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options within a couple of miles?” and then follow up with, “What’s parking like there?” or “Can you add a calendar event for soccer practice tomorrow at 5 p.m.?” If users grant permission, Gemini can automatically create the event, streamlining trip planning. The AI can also provide context on local spots—like popular dishes at a restaurant—or even deliver news and sports updates, all while keeping the driver focused on the road. A key addition is the ability to report traffic disruptions using simple voice commands. Drivers can say, “I see an accident,” “There’s flooding ahead,” or “Watch out for that slowdown,” and Maps will instantly relay the information to help others avoid delays. This feature is initially launching in the U.S. for Android users. To improve navigation accuracy, Google is introducing landmark-based turn-by-turn directions powered by Gemini and Street View data. Instead of relying solely on distances like “turn right in 500 feet,” Maps now identifies and highlights visible, recognizable landmarks—such as gas stations, restaurants, or famous buildings—before the turn. This feature draws from a database of 250 million places cross-referenced with Street View imagery to determine which landmarks are most useful and visible to drivers. It’s currently available in the U.S. on both iOS and Android. Additionally, Gemini is being integrated with Google Lens to answer questions about surroundings. By pointing the camera at a place of interest—like a restaurant or landmark—users can ask, “What is this place and why is it popular?” The AI combines visual recognition with contextual knowledge to deliver helpful, real-time answers. These updates reflect Google’s broader push to embed AI into everyday experiences, making Maps not just a navigation tool but a proactive, intelligent assistant. The company aims to reduce driver distraction while increasing convenience and safety. By combining voice interaction, AI reasoning, real-time data, and visual recognition, Google is transforming how people discover and interact with their environment on the go. The rollout is gradual, with traffic alerts launching first in the U.S. for Android, landmark navigation following on both platforms, and Google Lens integration with Gemini arriving later this month in the U.S. Android Auto support is expected soon. Overall, this evolution of Google Maps underscores the growing role of AI in personal mobility, turning the app into a smarter, more responsive companion for drivers. As AI continues to integrate into daily life, Google’s focus remains on usability, safety, and seamless interaction—making navigation not just easier, but more intuitive and helpful.