Google Maps is set to receive new AI-powered features thanks to Gemini, Google’s generative AI model

On Thursday, the company unveiled upcoming enhancements aimed at helping users in the U.S. discover new places and answer questions about various locations.

Among the improvements are enhanced navigation tools that will guide drivers more effectively by clearly indicating the correct lanes to use. This move to integrate Gemini into Maps is part of Google’s strategy to strengthen its navigation application against competitors like Apple Maps and emerging navigation startups.

Additionally, users will soon be able to request suggestions for activities and places by simply asking Google Maps. For example, if a friend is visiting, you can ask, “What are some fun things to do with friends at night?” Gemini will provide a curated list of recommendations, such as visiting a speakeasy or attending a live music event.

To enhance the user experience, Google Maps will include brief summaries of the recommended places based on user reviews. If you have specific inquiries, such as whether a venue has outdoor seating, you can directly ask Gemini.

These features are rolling out this week on both Android and iOS platforms in the United States, with plans to introduce similar functionalities to Google Search, including AI-generated review summaries and the ability to pose questions about specific locations.

For navigation, Google Maps is simplifying the driving experience in complex areas that have multiple lanes and exits. The app will now clearly display lanes, crosswalks, and road signs, ensuring that users know exactly which lane to be in, reducing the need for last-minute merges.

Before users begin their journey, they will be able to explore points of interest along their route. After entering a destination, Google Maps will highlight top landmarks, attractions, scenic viewpoints, and dining options.

Upon reaching your destination, the app will provide information about nearby parking facilities and prompt you to save your parking location, so you can easily find your car later. It will also offer walking directions from the parking area to your destination, complete with options for launching Street View or using augmented reality for navigation.

Furthermore, users will have the ability to see and report weather-related road conditions, including areas that are flooded, not plowed, or have low visibility.

In addition, Google announced an expansion of the Immersive View feature, which creates 3D representations of destinations, to 150 cities worldwide. New cities included in this rollout are Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt.

Additionally, Gemini is being integrated into Waze, another navigation app from Google. The company is testing a voice-activated reporting feature, allowing users to report traffic incidents by simply speaking. For instance, you can tap the reporting button and say something like, “There’s a traffic jam ahead.”