Google Maps is taking navigation to the next level by integrating Gemini AI into walking and cycling modes, transforming everyday commutes and casual strolls into interactive, guided experiences. With this new update, users can now access Gemini while navigating on foot or by bicycle, making Google Maps more conversational, informative, and context-aware than ever before.
This feature builds on Google’s earlier rollout of Gemini-powered hands-free conversations across navigation modes such as driving, public transport, and two-wheelers. Now, pedestrians and cyclists can also benefit from real-time AI assistance, making exploration easier and more engaging.
How Gemini Works in Google Maps for Walking and Cycling
Using Gemini while walking or cycling in Google Maps is simple and intuitive. When navigating to a destination, users can either tap the Gemini icon located at the top-right corner of the app or activate the assistant using the familiar “Hey Google” hotword.
Once activated, Gemini seamlessly integrates into the navigation experience, allowing users to ask questions without interrupting their journey. This hands-free interaction is particularly useful for walkers and cyclists who need to stay alert while moving through busy streets or unfamiliar areas.
Your Personal Walking Tour Guide
According to Google, Gemini can now function as a personal walking tour guide directly within Google Maps. This means users can ask contextual questions about their surroundings and receive instant, AI-powered responses.
For example, users can ask:
- “OK Google, what neighbourhood am I in?”
- “What are the top-rated restaurants nearby?”
- “What landmarks are around me?”
Gemini responds by analyzing your location and route, then recommending places of interest along the way. It can also provide background information about nearby attractions, restaurants, and points of interest, adding depth and context to your journey.
This feature is especially useful for travelers exploring new cities, locals discovering hidden gems in their neighborhoods, or anyone who wants more than just turn-by-turn directions.
Smarter Recommendations Along Your Route
One of the standout aspects of Gemini integration is its ability to deliver route-based recommendations. Instead of suggesting places that are far off your path, Gemini prioritizes locations that are conveniently accessible along your current route.
Whether you’re looking for a café, a park, or a highly rated restaurant, Gemini tailors its suggestions to your immediate surroundings. This makes spontaneous stops easier and helps users make better decisions without having to manually search or scroll through listings.
Enhanced Hands-Free Navigation Experience
Safety and convenience are at the heart of this update. By enabling voice-based interactions, Google ensures that users can stay focused on their surroundings while still accessing valuable information.
For cyclists especially, hands-free navigation combined with AI-powered insights can significantly improve the riding experience. Instead of stopping to check the map, users can simply ask Gemini for directions, nearby amenities, or local highlights.
This enhancement aligns with Google’s broader goal of making Maps a more immersive and assistive navigation platform, rather than just a digital map.
Building on Gemini’s Expanding Role Across Google Services
The addition of Gemini to walking and cycling modes reflects Google’s growing push to embed AI across its ecosystem. Gemini has already been integrated into search, productivity tools, and various navigation modes, and its expansion into pedestrian and cycling navigation feels like a natural next step.
By combining real-time location data with conversational AI, Google Maps becomes more than a navigation tool—it becomes an intelligent companion that understands context and intent.
What This Means for Users
For everyday users, this update means:
- Easier exploration of unfamiliar areas
- More personalized recommendations
- Less reliance on manual searches
- A safer, hands-free navigation experience
For travelers, Gemini-powered Google Maps can replace traditional audio guides, offering real-time insights without the need for additional apps or devices.
As Google continues to refine Gemini’s capabilities, users can expect even more intelligent features that adapt to their surroundings and preferences.
