Google Maps Transformed by Gemini: 3D Immersion and Innovative AI

Google Maps Reinvents Itself with Gemini

Google Maps is entering a new era thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence via Gemini. While Google has already begun replacing Google Assistant with Gemini in this application, the company announced this week a major transformation. According to Logan Kilpatrick, an employee in Google's AI division, this is the most significant update since the app's launch. With Gemini, Google Maps will now be able to display immersive 3D maps during navigation.

This new 3D navigation feature takes into account various elements such as buildings, bridges, and terrain. Additionally, the app can display relevant information on this immersive view, including crosswalks, traffic lights, and signs. Miriam Daniel, Vice President and General Manager at Google Maps, explains that "this spatial understanding of your route is made possible by the Gemini models, which analyze recent real images from Street View and aerial photos to provide you with an accurate view of the elements along your route, such as landmarks and medians."

In addition to the visual enhancement, the new navigation in Google Maps also allows users to receive additional information on the map. For example, it helps better anticipate complicated turns or lane changes. The app also informs drivers about the consequences of a route change or potential disruptions on the road. However, for now, this new navigation feature in Google Maps is only available in the United States.

Ask Maps: Enhanced Interaction

The second major innovation announced by Google is Ask Maps. As the name suggests, this feature allows users to ask questions to the app via artificial intelligence. According to Google, this new feature can answer complex questions that a map could not address before.

Google Maps is now capable of answering questions such as: "My phone is almost dead — where can I charge it without waiting in line for hours for a coffee?" or "Is there a public tennis court with lights where I could play tonight?" Thanks to AI, Google Maps can save minutes of searching by immediately presenting the desired information. Moreover, the feature responds in a personalized manner, using information that has previously been stored by the AI. However, for now, Google is only offering Ask Maps in the United States and India.

In conclusion, thanks to Gemini, Google Maps has received a historic update, providing a new immersive view for navigation and enabling users to find information very quickly. However, these new features are not yet available in France.