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Every day, millions of users rely on Google Maps whether they drive a car, ride a two-wheeler, or commute using public transport. In a country as diverse and complex as India, Maps has become the default way to explore a new city, reach the office, find historic sites, and more. Now, Google Maps is getting even smarter, thanks to a new set of features announced on Thursday for the world’s most popular navigation system. These include Gemini’s conversational AI capabilities directly integrated into the Maps app, enabling more natural, hands-free interactions, as well as India-specific features such as accident-prone area alerts and easier metro ticket management via Google Wallet.
Here’s everything that’s new in Google Maps.
Google has been gradually adding AI features to Maps over the past few months, and now the company has updated Google Maps with two new features: route planning and navigation, powered by Gemini AI technology. Perhaps the biggest change is the arrival of Gemini’s conversational mode while navigating. Drivers can now ask questions such as ‘Where is the nearest petrol pump?’ or ‘What’s parking like there?’, all without having to type or tap.” Gemini also has the ability to access other Google apps, like Calendar and Gmail, so users can add reminders for events to their schedule while also conversing with the chatbot about navigation.
Gemini will draw upon data from roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps’ database, which has accumulated reviews over the past 20 years. For example, Maps uses reviews and web content to provide the most helpful tips about a place before you reach there. So, if you are planning to visit Delhi’s Dilli Haat, Maps can give tips like ‘It’s okay to bargain for prices’ and ‘The momos at the Nagaland Stall are highly rated.’
Google says Gemini-powered navigation will roll out to Android and iOS in the coming weeks.
A new proactive traffic alert feature will notify users about traffic jams, road closures, and other disruptions ahead, even if navigation isn’t active. These alerts will roll out first in India on Android devices in the coming weeks, starting with Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. This feature will work across highways and major roads in these cities.
Another India-specific feature coming to Google Maps is Accident-Prone Area Alerts, which Google says has been designed in partnership with local authorities. The feature provides visual and voice alerts as drivers approach high-risk areas, helping them drive more safely. It’s currently rolling out to Android users in Gurugram, Cyberabad, Chandigarh, and Faridabad.
In India, Google Maps now will show official speed limits while navigating, using data from local traffic authorities. The feature appears next to the speedometer in the app and is rolling out to Android and iOS users in nine Indian cities, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
Google Maps has partnered with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to provide near real-time, authoritative information on highway conditions, including road closures and repairs. The partnership also help surface details about wayside amenities such as public restrooms, eateries, and petrol stations for a more reliable navigation experience.
In India, Android users can now save purchased tickets directly to Google Wallet. This allows seamless access to tickets within Maps in cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi, and Chennai, with Mumbai coming soon.
Another India-specific feature coming to Google Maps is voice navigation for flyovers in nine Indian languages, which provides hands-free guidance to users, especially those who drive two-wheeler drivers. The feature will roll out to Android and iOS users in the coming weeks.
