Google Maps getting Gemini search, review summaries, and Q&A

Abner Li | Oct 31 2024 - 7:00 am PT

With over 2 billion monthly users, Google Maps is adding Gemini to power a trio of experiences that do seem quite useful on Android and iOS.

Ask Maps lets you enter more conversational queries into the existing search field. For example, “things to do with friends at night” will turn up “Curated with Gemini” suggestions, which feature the sparkle, for Live music and Speakeasies.

Each gets a carousel of places that you can browse. Every card features a rating and relevant review, while each carousel features a thumbs up/down to tune the system.

Once you open a listing, Gemini will offer a review summary underneath the usual breakdown of ratings, while the rest of this section is unchanged.

Finally, you can “Ask Maps about this page.” This new inline search bar in the list lets you ask questions, like: Is it a quiet atmosphere? and What’s the dress code? These generated answers, which can include images, are accompanied by snippets from the actual review and other relevant web links. Both of these features are also coming to Google Search in the coming months.

Gemini in Google Maps for Android and iOS is rolling out in the US starting this week.

Continuing on the AI front is how Immersive View for places is expanding to 150 cities around the world, including Brussels, Frankfurt, and Kyoto. It also now lets you explore college campuses.

Meanwhile, Immersive View for routes is getting more detailed by highlighting complex turns and where to park. Both these updates are rolling out starting this week.