Google Maps has received its biggest navigation update in a decade, introducing Gemini-powered conversational search and photorealistic 3D route visualisations.
Google Maps has received what the company describes as its biggest navigation update in more than 10 years,
It introduces two new Gemini-powered features designed to transform how people search for places and navigate routes.
The update adds Ask Maps, a conversational search tool, and Immersive Navigation, a feature that renders routes in photorealistic 3D.
Together, they represent Google’s latest effort to integrate its Gemini artificial intelligence into products used by billions of people worldwide.
Ask Maps allows users to ask complex questions rather than relying on traditional keyword searches.
Instead of typing “coffee shops near me”, a user might ask something more detailed such as where they can charge a phone without waiting in a long line for coffee.
The system analyses data from more than 300 million places and reviews contributed by over 500 million users.
It also personalises results using a person’s search history, meaning recommendations can take preferences such as vegan dining into account.
The feature is also designed to assist with trip planning.
Users travelling to multiple destinations, for example, can ask for recommended stops along their route and receive directions, estimated travel times and suggestions based on community reviews.
Alongside conversational search, Google is introducing Immersive Navigation.
The feature uses Gemini to analyse Street View and aerial imagery to create a detailed 3D visualisation of driving routes, including buildings, overpasses, crosswalks and traffic lights.
Google says the feature is particularly useful for navigating complex junctions and lane changes.
Voice guidance has also been made more conversational, while alternative routes now show trade-offs such as whether a detour saves time but includes tolls.
Ask Maps will begin rolling out this week in the US and India on Android and iOS devices.
The update reflects Google’s broader strategy of embedding Gemini across its existing ecosystem, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Photos and Android.
With Google Workspace alone surpassing three billion monthly active users, the company is integrating AI directly into services people already use rather than requiring them to download separate AI tools.
Google Maps gets its biggest navigation overhaul in a decade
