You Can Now Use Gemini to Navigate Google Maps Hands-Free
Using a generative AI bot like Google’s Gemini can be a little clunky, but using voice commands makes the process much easier. According to the latest Gemini release notes, Google has updated the chatbot’s voice commands to include automatic sending. This can save you a step or two when you use the Gemini app on your smartphone to ask for directions on Google Maps.
How to ask a Gemini for directions
While Gemini can already integrate navigation with Google Maps, the latest change makes the process smoother. As stated in the March 25 Gemini release notes :
Now, when you ask for directions, Gemini automatically starts navigation using Google Maps.
We’ve updated voice commands to include automatic sending. No more clicking the “Submit” button.
In short, it’s a small change to how Gemini works after you give it a voice command. Gemini gives you the same information as before – a route description and a map preview. But now Gemini automatically starts this action after a short delay, and you don’t have to click anything further.
Therefore, you can ask Gemini a few simple questions and let him orient you. Being a conversational AI chatbot, it can understand the question no matter how you phrase it. For example:
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“Take me from San Francisco International Airport to the Golden Gate Bridge.”
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“How do I get to the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco International Airport?”
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“Head to the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco International Airport, but take a short detour to Twin Peaks along the way.”
Generative AI then automatically displays a summary of the route, time it will take, distance traveled and a map display, as well as a link to the full Google Maps route.
You can continue the conversation and ask any other questions along the route. such as:
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“What are the best restaurants I can stop at for a quick lunch on the road?”
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“Is there a toll road on this route?”
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“What are the bus numbers and routes if I use public transport?”
Google’s move isn’t just about better AI integration between its apps. It could also get you one step closer to finding an alternative to using Google Assistant on your phone (at least until the latter is completely replaced by Gemini in the future) . Unfortunately, for now, Gemini is still missing some basic Google Assistant features, such as routines and Play Music commands.
Gemini is constantly improving. Each update better integrates it with existing Google apps, although Google Maps itself offers its own hands-free interface and also has experimental generative AI capabilities .
You can enable the Gemini mobile app through Google Assistant on Android. The Gemini app is only available in English in the US, and you must have an Android phone with 4GB of RAM or more running Android 12 or later. If you’re using iOS, Gemini is available through a tab in the Google app.