Google Maps gains new Gemini AI superpowers in India

Google has announced that it’s plugging Gemini AI directly into Google Maps for users in India. The update essentially transforms the app into a conversational assistant, except for places and navigation.

More than just directions

The company is pitching this as having a “knowledgeable friend”. The new hands-free driving experience lets you stay focussed on the road while you give it some fairly complex commands.

You can ask for the “nearest petrol pump” or check “What’s parking like there?”. It even handles multi-step requests. You could tell it to find a good restaurant and then follow up with “OK, let’s go there.”

The system can even hook into your other Google apps. Asking it to “add a calendar event for this meeting tomorrow” will make Gemini, with your permission, check your Calendar and Gmail to log the details automatically.

The AI isn’t limited to navigation. A new “know before you go” feature has Gemini proactively scanning web content and map reviews. It summarises them into practical tips before you even leave.

Planning a trip to Delhi’s Dilli Haat? Maps might now surface a tip that “It’s okay to bargain” or point you to the “highly rated momos in the Nagaland Stall.”

ALSO READ: Google’s Pixel Watch 4 finally lands in India

If the proactive tips don’t cover everything, you can just ask. The new “Ask Maps” feature lets you query the app directly about a location, like “does it have parking?”. Gemini acts as a reasoning engine, digging through reviews, photos, and details to give you a straight answer.

Google says this is all grounded in its massive dataset, including 35 million places in India alone. The “Ask Maps” function is rolling out starting today on Android and iOS. Full navigation and proactive summaries will land in the coming weeks.

"Prefer shade" for walking also in the works

Beyond this release, Google is cooking up another interesting feature. An APK teardown by Android Authority recently uncovered a “prefer shade” toggle on the app for walking navigation. This would let you find routes that keep you out of the sun, which could be a potential lifesaver in a heatwave. It’s just not active yet.

The feature likely relies on LiDAR data, which Google’s Street View cars collect. For India, a wide rollout will probably take time given the massive mapping task.