Google Maps gets booster dose of Gemini AI and more features

With more than two billion active users worldwide, Google Maps is the most popular navigation app on all mobile platforms. It has a simple user interface and comes with value-added features such as flyover callouts, narrow-road markers, fuel-efficient routes and more that make travelling hassle-free, whether in a crowded city or on an unfamiliar route.

Now, the search engine giant has announced to bring its advanced generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) Gemini to Google Maps.

Once updated to the latest version, users will be able to operate Google Maps hands-free. He/she can converse with Gemini for a detour to find a nearby fuel bank or diner to eat without having to type a query.

Users can ask about the menu and even the review rating of the hotel. It reviews, photos, and place details and the web. Gemini will sift through all the rich information in Maps—reviews, photos, and place details, and the web, to offer context-relevant answers quickly.

Beyond navigation queries, users can even ask Gemini while operating Google Maps to set a reminder for an office meeting at a particular place the next day. With the user's consent, Gemini connects with Gmail and Calendar and adds the place automatically.

Google Maps gets Gemini AI.

Google Maps will also get the Proactive Traffic Alerts feature. Even if the app is not used, it will know the owner is driving a vehicle, and it will notify about major disruptions or delays on the road ahead. The company is collaborating with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to offer reliable information faster than before.

Also, it will show the speed limits as well. It will be available first in Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad (including Cyberabad), Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida.

Google Maps gets new features.

And, it will also show when the vehicle is entering an accident-prone zone. So that the driver gets conscious while driving in that particular stretch. This particular feature will be initially available in Gurugram, Cyberabad, Chandigarh, and Faridabad.

The new update also improved the flyover callouts, with voice notification. Earlier, it was a flash notification with clear marking to either take a flyover or divert to another lane.'

Now, Google Maps will offer clearer, hands-free audio guidance in nine Indian languages, helping you prepare for upcoming flyovers and navigate these complex manoeuvres easily than before.

"Our approach in India has always been to combine our leading AI technologies with a deep, local understanding. Today, Maps takes a significant leap forward with the power of Gemini, enabling a conversational, intuitive, AI-powered assistant to make everyday journeys smarter and easier. We are also updating Maps with new safety initiatives developed with local authorities—like our partnerships with NHAI for real-time highway information and local authorities for accident-prone area alerts—all of which embody our ongoing commitment to building a map that is truly for India.”

Lalitha Ramani, General Manager, Google Maps, India

Further, the Metro ticket feature on Google Maps is getting integrated with Google Wallet.

After getting the QR Code or message, users sometimes find difficulty in finding it on their phone. Have browsed through the photo gallery or the message inbox for the SMS link. Now, on Android, users can instantly save purchased tickets to Google Wallet and access them seamlessly in Maps when needed.

Initially, it will be available in Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi, and Chennai. It will be expanded to Mumbai.

Google Maps to offer two-wheeler Navtars.

For two-wheeler riders, Google Maps is bringing a fun update in India, touted to be the world's largest two-wheeler market. It is launching customisable 'Navatars'. Users can personalise their navigation icon by choosing from different two-wheeler types — like classic motorbikes, sports bikes, or scooters — and picking from eight vibrant colours. This will be available for Android in the coming weeks, and for the iOS version of Google Maps, it will be released in early 2026.

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