Google develops Gemini with Maps features for Android and iOS

Google continues to expand the capabilities of Gemini by integrating Google Maps directly into its artificial intelligence service, a feature currently prioritised for mobile device users.

The new tool, which is already available to Android and iOS users, appears at the end of the carousel alongside Photos, Camera, Avatar, Files, Drive, and Notebook, according to a report from Phonearena on Saturday.

When the Maps feature is utilised, Gemini displays the user’s location in the form of a map along with the surrounding area. Users can zoom in or out of the map view or search for specific locations as required.

Gemini also provides an “Explore this area” option, which allows users to explore specific regions on the map.

With this integration, users can pose questions based on the selected area. For instance, a user could ask Gemini to find the nearest pizza restaurant or a car dealership within that vicinity.

This step further expands Gemini’s function from a mere AI-based conversational service into an interface capable of leveraging location information from Google Maps.

Google has previously integrated Gemini capabilities into Google Maps to assist with navigation for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, the latest Maps integration has limitations. The Maps feature is currently only available via the Gemini application on mobile devices, while desktop users cannot yet access this capability.