Gemini navigates pedestrians in Google Maps

Google is expanding Maps with even more AI support. Gemini can now also navigate pedestrians and cyclists by voice. And what's more, Gemini also knows which restaurants nearby have good reviews or which neighborhood you are currently in. For this, Gemini can access both real-time search and the Knowledge Graph – Google's gigantic database of information.

According to Google's blog post, the navigation works as if you were “talking to a friend in the passenger seat.” Google had already introduced voice navigation for car drivers last year. Now they probably mean more like a friend walking next to you or riding a bike behind you. So you don't have to hold your smartphone in your hand and keep looking at the screen – instead of the road. The smartphone is sufficient as hardware, and headphones are also well suited, but with smart glasses it would, of course, be even more comfortable. However, you have to wait a bit longer for those at Google. Google Maps can be used with Meta's Ray-Bans, for example. These do not have their navigation function.

Google wants as much context as possible

If you are navigating with Gemini and realize, oh, I'm going to be late for an appointment, the AI assistant can also immediately write a message to the waiting person. To achieve this, you must have linked the services; this is done by granting permission via the Google account. Google wants to make Gemini a helpful AI assistant as possible, but for that it should also receive as much contextual knowledge as possible. Integrations from Gmail, Docs, and the calendar are possible, for example. Google Maps can also already summarize reviews and adapt them to personal preferences, for example.

For car drivers, there are even real-time data that inform about an accident, for example, if it is reported on the planned route. Thanks to a connection with Street View, Gemini can also tell you about the buildings or sights along the route if you wish.

Not all functions are already available in the EU. The new voice navigation for pedestrians and cyclists is being rolled out worldwide for iOS and Android starting immediately.

(emw)