Google Maps Gets A Big Upgrade As Gemini Takes Over Navigation

Google Maps is quietly entering a new era. The app has started rolling out a fresh navigation experience powered entirely by Gemini, replacing Google Assistant for turn-by-turn help. It still feels like the Maps you know, but the moment you spot the blue Gemini spark in the top-right corner — right next to the four-colour microphone — you realise something big has changed. Say “Hey Google”, and the familiar ring now flashes into a Gemini-blue glow before responding. The idea is simple: give you a smarter, more conversational co-driver whether you’re behind the wheel, walking, cycling or taking public transport.

What Gemini can do inside Maps

Here’s the thing — Gemini isn’t just parroting commands. It can handle every essential navigation task you’d expect: starting directions, adding stops, muting guidance, avoiding tolls and pulling up alternate routes. Ask it about your next turn, your ETA or what the weather looks like where you’re heading, and it answers instantly.

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But the real difference is in how it understands context. You can ask it about places along your journey—anything from “Find me a cafe near my destination that serves vegan options” to “What’s the most popular dish here?” or “When does this place close?” Instead of quick hits of info, Gemini lets you flow into a proper back-and-forth conversation. You can get restaurant suggestions, check parking, and reroute — all in one thread.

It goes further, too. You can ask it to schedule events like “Add soccer practice for tomorrow at 5 PM,” and it’ll handle it without breaking navigation. Reporting issues like traffic or roadblocks is now just a voice command away.

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A full assistant built into Maps

Because this is the complete Gemini assistant, not a stripped-down version, it can pull up emails, check your calendar, send messages, make calls and play music from apps like Spotify — all hands-free. Essentially, Maps turns into a smart cockpit with Gemini acting as a single hub for everything you need on the move.

The rollout has only just started, but it’s already clear that Google wants Maps to be your primary assistant the moment you step out of the house. With Gemini now at its core, navigation feels less like following directions and more like travelling with someone who can actually think alongside you.