Google Maps is getting an upgrade that'll be immediately familiar to Pixel phone owners
Google Gemini may be taking over Google Assistant completely
- Google is reportedly testing new updates for its Maps app
- The tech company may be replacing Google Assistant with Gemini
- Gemini is Google's newest AI assistant, which launched in 2024
- The update will allow you to ask new commands
- It can also change routes automatically to help you avoid highways and tolls
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Google is actively working to upgrade its popular Google Maps app with a brand new AI assistant.
The California tech company currently uses Google Assistant, an AI system that helps you control navigation with voice commands, set up a destination, make calls, and send messages while driving. To use Google Assistant, all you have to do is say "Hey Google" or tap the microphone icon.
However, the team at Android Authority has spotted Google working on a massive overhaul of these features.
It seems that Google is working to replace Google Assistant completely with Gemini. This is the tech company's newest virtual assistant, launched in 2024, which has been integrated with other Google products, such as the most recent Pixel 10 phone series.
Google is working to replace Google Assistant completely with Gemini, its newest AI system originally launched in 2024
| GOOGLE PRESS OFFICEWhen Gemini is enabled on Maps, it appears that Gemini responds in place of Google Assistant when you activate the microphone to speak a command.
Gemini may also be able to respond to new commands that Google Assistant couldn't previously work out. For example, it looks like you can have Gemini change your directions to avoid tolls and highways automatically. Like on Google's other devices, you may be able to ask other questions unrelated to the Maps app. On the Pixel phones, for instance, you can ask about the weather, ask about your surroundings, and more.
When Gemini is officially enabled in Maps, it looks like you'll have the ability to switch your settings so you can start using the new features.
When Gemini is officially enabled in Maps, it looks like you'll have the ability to switch your settings so you can start using the new features
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This isn't the first time Google has leveraged part of Gemini to be used with the Maps app.
You can already use Gemini to ask about locations and provide helpful information about the area. For instance, you can ask for "coffee shops near me," or "things to do with friends at night," to get some ideas for your planning.
It can also provide summaries of places, reviews, and entire areas to give you an overview before visiting.
Google Gemini can summarise locations within the Maps app to give you an overview of the area
| GOOGLE PRESS OFFICEGoogle is constantly updating its apps, too. Earlier this summer, users lost two key features. You can no longer share your favourite locations with others. Some Android users also lost the ability to control music and podcasts directly from the navigation screen.
There's no set date yet for when Gemini will replace Assistant on the Maps app. Since it appears to still be in the testing stages, it may be a while before it officially rolls out to the public.
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