Caption – Google rolls out new Gemini-based features. (Image credit – Google)
Google has rolled out a major update to Google Maps in India and is introducing 10 new features that make navigation smarter, safer, and more interactive. Among the highlights are Gemini AI-powered conversational driving, AI-based proactive traffic alerts, and metro ticket booking directly through Maps. The announcement marks India as the first country outside the US to receive this new wave of updates. Here’s a quick roundup of all new features.
During a press event, Google confirmed that several of these new features are exclusive to Indian users, while others are part of a global rollout expansion. Each feature will be available on Android or iOS in stages over the coming weeks.
The biggest update is the hands-free conversational driving experience, which integrates Gemini’s AI voice interaction directly into Google Maps. With this, users can ask real-time questions while driving such as finding EV charging stations, checking for restaurants along the route, or sharing their ETA with friends. All without needing to touch their phone.
Gemini’s advanced reasoning also supports multi-step questions, allowing users to ask, for instance, “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? What’s parking like there?” Beyond navigation, users can even permit Maps to create a Calendar event for their plans.
Google is also launching Proactive Local Tips, another Gemini-backed feature that provides real-time recommendations about local attractions, shops, or restaurants along the user’s route. This expands on the AI-powered Inspirations feature introduced in 2024.
Additionally, Maps can now answer detailed questions about places using reviews, images, and business data helping users make decisions without switching apps. These AI-driven updates will be available on both Android and iOS in the coming days.
Another major addition is Proactive Traffic Alerts, which notifies users about traffic jams, closures, and delays even when they’re not navigating. Initially, this feature will roll out to Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai Android users within the next few weeks.
In terms of road safety, Accident-Prone Area Alerts will inform users when they enter zones known for frequent accidents. This feature, based on government data, will launch in Gurugram, Hyderabad’s Cyberabad region, Chandigarh, and Faridabad for both Android and iOS users.
Similarly, Authoritative Speed Limits also derived from official government sources will display the legal speed limit beside the speedometer. This will be available soon in Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, Jaipur, Faridabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
Google is also collaborating with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to integrate real-time data on road closures and repairs via NHAI’s API Setu, improving route accuracy and planning.
Another convenience-focused addition allows users to book metro tickets directly from Google Maps, eliminating the need to switch between apps. The service currently covers Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Chennai, with Mumbai next in line. Purchased tickets can also be saved in Google Wallet and accessed directly within Maps.
The Flyover navigation feature, which helps drivers know when to take or skip a flyover, now includes voice guidance support to enhance safety during high-speed or congested travel. This voice navigation will be available in nine Indian languages for Android and iOS soon.
Rounding off the update, Google is launching customisable two-wheeler avatars for riders in India. This India-exclusive feature lets users choose from multiple bike icons and personalise them with different colours. It will roll out to Android users in the coming weeks.
Answer. It’s a hands-free AI feature that lets users ask real-time, multi-step questions while driving like finding EV stations, restaurants, or sharing ETA, without touching their phone.
Answer. Google Maps now includes proactive traffic alerts, accident-prone area warnings, and authoritative speed limits based on government data for safer navigation.
Answer. Yes, metro ticket booking is now integrated into Maps for cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Chennai, with Mumbai coming soon. Tickets can be saved in Google Wallet.
https://www.mymobileindia.com/google-maps-adopts-new-version-number-system-for-android-and-ios/
Highlights The Galaxy S26+ surfaced on Geekbench with the Exynos 2600 chipset, Xclipse 960 GPU,…
Highlights Google has added full-length, no-cost SAT practice exams to its Gemini app. Students receive…
Highlights Apple has petitioned the Delhi High Court to block India’s antitrust regulator from demanding…
Highlights India’s DoT has de-licensed 500MHz in the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425MHz) for licence-free Wi-Fi…
Highlights Realme Neo 8 Smartphone - 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset,…
Highlights iQOO 15 Ultra to come in sci-fi-inspired colourways named 2077 Flowing Orange and 2049…
This website uses cookies.