Gemini AI in Google Maps
Google is continuing its big AI transformation by slowly replacing Google Assistant with its more advanced Gemini AI assistant across many of its services. The latest change has been spotted in none other than Google Maps, one of the company’s most widely used apps. According to a report by Android Authority, a new beta version of the Google Maps app now includes Gemini AI instead of the traditional Assistant.
This move is part of Google’s broader effort to integrate Gemini AI in Google Maps and other services for smarter, more natural interactions. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new and what this means for users.
Gemini AI in Google Maps: What’s New?
In the latest beta version of Google Maps, users who normally tap the microphone icon to speak to Google Assistant will now see a big change. Instead of the Assistant responding, Gemini AI will take over.
When a user clicks the mic icon in the top right corner of the navigation interface, the initial color and design still resemble Google Assistant. However, once tapped, Gemini’s spark icon lights up, confirming that Gemini is now active and ready to respond. This is a visual signal that Google is shifting its AI interface within Maps to the newer, smarter Gemini system.
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Smarter Navigation Features with Gemini
One of the most exciting improvements Gemini brings to Google Maps is smarter navigation. Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini can now follow more specific and personalized commands.
For example, users can simply say something like:
“Don’t show routes with tolls.“
And Gemini will automatically avoid routes that require toll tax, something the previous assistant couldn’t do without manual input.
This makes route planning faster, easier, and more user-friendly, especially for those who regularly prefer to avoid certain roads or fees.
Ask More Than Directions
What really sets Gemini apart is its ability to handle more than just navigation commands. While Google Assistant mainly focuses on location and travel-related questions within Maps, Gemini can go beyond.
Now, users can ask questions such as:
“What’s the weather like today?”
even while they’re using Maps for navigation.
This shows that Google is aiming to make Gemini a multitasking AI assistant that supports a broader range of user needs right inside one app.
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Limited Availability for Now
Right now, this feature is only available to users who are part of the beta testing program. That means not everyone will see the Gemini icon or experience the new assistant just yet.
However, based on how Google usually rolls out updates, it’s expected that Gemini AI in Google Maps will become available to a wider audience in the coming weeks or months.
Google is likely testing the performance and user response before making it a permanent feature in the stable version of the app.
Why This Change Matters
Replacing Google Assistant with Gemini AI in Google Maps isn’t just a cosmetic change — it reflects a major shift in how Google sees the future of AI-powered services.
Here’s why this upgrade matters:
- More Accurate Commands: Gemini can understand more complex and specific instructions.
- Personalized Experience: Users can get navigation tailored to their preferences (e.g., no tolls).
- Expanded Capabilities: Gemini can answer questions that go beyond Maps, offering weather info and more.
- Unified AI Experience: With Gemini slowly replacing Google Assistant in different apps, users will get a consistent experience across the Google ecosystem.