I tried out the new Gemini feature in Google Maps and the AI ​​assistant was surprisingly helpful

It’s interesting how many tasks you remember while driving: add milk to your shopping list, text a friend about your ETA, look up the best things to do during your next trip and so on. But taking your hands off the wheel isn’t the smartest move. This is where the new Gemini-powered AI feature in Google Maps may help.

As part of an update shared last month, Google is adding Hands-free capabilities for its mapping apppowered by twin. Now, while you’re on the road to your destination, you can just say “Hey Google” and ask anything, from the best vegan cafe on your way to the top five attractions in your area. You can also get details about the parking situation at your destination – hopefully avoiding the nightmare of parallel parking.

“This is Gemini’s first experience of hands-free conversation on Google Maps,” said Vishal Dutta, product manager at Google Maps. “You can treat him like a friend sitting right next to you, who also happens to be a local expert and very smart at the same time.”

Gemini is rolling out to Google Maps across iOS, Android, and Android Auto. I took her on a tour around Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. You can check out my experience in the video above.

While heading to a nearby park, I decided to ask Gemini about the best nearby café with pastries — and plenty of parking. He gave me a list of options, and once I settled on one, he redirected us around the corner. Throughout the trip, I also asked Jiminy to make a shopping list and add milk, which she did in Google Keep. I also asked to add events to my Google Calendar for breakfast and dinner later that week. I can even flag construction while I’m driving by, and I haven’t had to touch my phone once.

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Some features are only available on Android at the moment, like turning on Gemini, recommending music, or sending a text message via voice command. We’ve swapped my device iPhone to pixel He phoned in to see these capabilities in action, and Gemini responded to inquiries about the next hottest rock guitarist and texted us an ETA without a hitch.

I can see this feature being particularly useful when you need to add a stop along your route, or when you’re afraid you’ll forget to do something if you don’t write it down right away. And since these latest Gemini capabilities are built into Google Maps, it doesn’t matter if your car doesn’t have a high-tech infotainment system – all you need is your smartphone. Keeping your hands on the wheel and away from your phone can help keep everyone safe.

You can see our guide on all New features are coming to Google Maps.