Google Maps integration has arrived in Gemini, giving the AI assistant a dedicated Map tool that makes it easier to request contextual, location-based information. The new feature does come with one limitation: it is available on mobile only, at least for the time being.
The addition follows a run of updates to Gemini, including the rollout of Guided Vision for Gemini Live, designed to assist blind and low-vision users, as well as support for Wallet. The Maps feature was initially spotted in a beta release in February, and the stable version is now rolling out across both Android and iOS devices.
How the new Map tool works
The Map tool appears at the end of the carousel in Gemini, sitting alongside Photos, Camera, Avatar, Files, Drive, and Notebooks. Once selected, your location is displayed on a map with a circle indicating the area immediately around you.
Users can zoom in and out to search for a specific place or location. There is also an option to explore the surrounding area via a button at the bottom of the screen. Tapping this automatically adds a location label, marked as “Map Area”, to your prompt. From there, you can ask Gemini to direct you to the nearest pizza restaurant, locate a car dealership, or handle other location-based queries on the move.
Why the feature is mobile-only
The Map tool is currently restricted to mobile devices, a decision that aligns with how people typically use the feature. Laptop and desktop users tend to remain in one place rather than moving around, whereas the Map tool is intended for use on the go. Google has not ruled out bringing the update to desktop in the future.
A separate small change has also been identified in the latest beta version of the Google app. The forward slash has been replaced with the @ symbol, accompanied by a note reading: “/ is now @. Access your skills, connectors, and more from a single place.” Typing @ now opens a box displaying all available skills, alongside an option to create new ones. This change remains in beta and has not yet rolled out widely.
The Maps integration marks another step in Google’s steady expansion of Gemini’s capabilities, positioning the assistant as a more comprehensive tool for everyday tasks. For now, the Map tool is accessible to both Android and iOS users through the stable release on mobile devices.
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Image: phonearena.com
