The tech giant Google is adding new features powered by Gemini, its generative AI model. On Thursday, the company announced incoming updates that will allow Google Maps users in the U.S. to tap into AI to help them find new places to visit and answer questions about different locations.

The platform is also gaining enhanced navigation features to enable motorists to reach their destinations by showing which lane you are supposed to be in.
In bringing Gemini into Maps, Google will consider how to make its navigation app better compete with Apple Maps and the other new entrants.

Other updates include that, on Google Maps, it will get ideas of what to go and do when asked of the service. For example, you will be having a friend who comes over to your house. So, you'll ask Maps for "things to do with friends at night." Gemini will offer you curated options to get to something like a live music event or visit the speakeasy.

This helps users get to know more about the places Gemini recommends by reading a quick summary of what people have thought about the place. Users can ask Gemini if the specific follow-up question has outdoor seating.

These new features are coming to the United States on Android and iOS this week. Google said it plans to bring similar experiences to Search, including AI-powered review summaries and the ability to ask questions about places.

New features with navigation: Google makes driving through an unfamiliar neighborhood easier in instances where there are numerous lanes, forks, and exit routes for Maps users. It is going to outline crosswalks, clear road signs on the map. The app will be able to point precisely where you need to be for a specific lane, thereby avoiding a last second merge.

With it, you will be easily able to find what to do along your route before you head out driving. You can enter a destination to view top landmarks, attractions, scenic spots, and dining options on Google Maps.

If you plan to park your vehicle before reaching your destination, when you arrive at the same location, Google Maps shows you the parking lot closest to your location. Upon your arrival, after you've left your car in the closest parking lot, Google Maps reminds you to save that parking so that it can easily remind you of your car's location next time. You can also choose walking directions from where your car is parked up to where you are headed into that place, and an option is available to view through Street View or AR walk navigation.

The company further said that weather disruptions along the road, such as flooded, unplowed, and low-visibility areas, will be visible to and reportable by users using Google Maps.

Google is also expanding its Immersive View feature for Google Maps, which creates a 3D model of a destination. The feature is being rolled out to 150 cities around the globe, including Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt, among other new cities.

As part of today's announcement, Google revealed that it is bringing Gemini to Waze, its other navigation app. The company has started testing a feature that will enable users to report traffic incidents using their voice. For instance, you can tap the reporting button and speak naturally and say something like: "Looks like there are cars jammed up ahead."