Summary

Gemini in Google Maps now supports walking and cycling navigation.

Features include context-aware answers and landmark-based turn-by-turn guidance.

Google is rolling the features out now to users worldwide.

Back in November, Google announced that Gemini was coming to Google Maps. Up until now, this functionality has been limited to driving, but today, Google announced that these useful Gemini features are now available for walking and cycling, as well.

What can Gemini do in Google Maps?

Google claims that using Gemini in Google Maps is like talking to a friend — that might be taking it a step too far. However, its features in Maps are pretty useful.

Ask questions about your route

Essentially, you can just ask Gemini whatever questions you have, and the assistant will provide you with detailed answers, related to where you’re headed and what’s around you. Some of the examples given by Google include:

Asking about the neighborhood you’re in

Asking about local landmarks worth checking out

Getting restaurant recommendations along your route

What’s interesting is the direct integration into Maps and how detailed your questions can get. For example, if you’re walking downtown, you could ask if there are any Mexican or Thai restaurants along your route, then ask about popular dishes, and then ask to add the restaurant to your route and send a text to your friend about it. It’s all handled conversationally, so it feels natural. It’s already hard to leave Google Maps, and this will make it even tougher.

Get better turn-by-turn directions

This is probably one of the most useful new features for me. Instead of being told to turn left after a certain distance, Gemini will identify landmarks along the route and use those to guide you. For example: “Turn left at the Starbucks.” I don’t know about you, but that’s a lot more helpful to me than “Turn left in 300 feet.” And if you want to make walking even better, make sure you try Google Maps Live View.

Use it as your personal assistant

You can also use Gemini to accomplish various tasks on your phone without needing to leave the navigation screen. For example:

Having your ETA or upcoming appointments announced

Sending messages to let people know your ETA — or that you’re running late

Adding that appointment you just remembered to your calendar

The nice thing here is that you can do all this hands-free, without needing to look at the phone — or even touch it. The ability to use Gemini to do these things isn’t new, but the deep integration with Maps is. You can perform these functions in the middle of that conversation about restaurants, for example.

This is especially handy when cycling on busy streets where distractions can be dangerous. It’s also nice if you’re walking and sightseeing, since you can keep your eyes focused on what you’re there to see.

AI that’s actually useful

These days, it seems like AI is being shoved into every operating system, app, and widget, often for no obvious reason. It’s a little tiring. But every once in a while, there’s a surprisingly helpful use case, and Gemini in Maps is one of those.

These new features are rolling out now on both iOS and Android. Google says the rollout is global, so anyone who can use Gemini should have access.