Google has unleashed a powerful wave of AI upgrades in Maps, transforming the navigation app into a smarter, more conversational companion. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI, these new features make it possible to talk to Maps, build interactive custom maps, and create map-based applications with little or no coding, and they’re not limited to just one country.
Conversational Navigation Powered by Gemini
With the Gemini integration, Google Maps now supports hands-free voice navigation. Users can ask for destinations, nearby places, or even report traffic hazards using natural speech. The AI also offers landmark-based directions, telling you to “turn right after the cafe,” instead of relying solely on distances. For global users, Gemini draws on real-world map data to provide contextual and accurate responses, helping you discover destinations with more nuance.
Safety and Traffic Alerts
Maps now warns you proactively about traffic disruptions, road closures, and accident-prone zones. In some regions, Google is rolling out voice and visual alerts as users approach high-risk areas, staying true to its mission of improving safety on the road.
For Developers: Build Maps with AI
Google has launched a Builder Agent, a generative AI tool that lets developers create interactive map-based apps just by describing their idea. Whether you want a “Street View tour of Paris,” a real-time weather layer on the map, or a list of nearby pet-friendly hotels, Builder Agent uses Gemini models to auto-generate working code, loading it into Firebase Studio for further editing.
A complementary Styling Agent helps designers apply custom themes or visual styles to maps. And thanks to Grounding with Google Maps, developers can connect Gemini with real-time place data: ask “Where’s the closest bakery?” and get backed-up, up-to-date answers based on actual Google Maps data.
Contextual Map Views
Google’s new Contextual View component makes those AI responses even more intuitive. Depending on your question, it can display a list, a 3D map view, or a traditional map, all leveraging real geospatial data to make answers richer and more useful.
Global and Local Power
While Google initially rolled out many features in India, like proactive alerts, voice navigation in nine local languages, and two-wheeler-specific guidance, the underlying AI tools are designed for global use. Through Google’s Maps Platform, developers around the world can access these tools, build AI-powered geo-apps, and ground their AI in real-world location data from over 250 million places worldwide.