Google just made walking directions a lot smarter. The company announced Thursday it's embedding Gemini AI directly into Google Maps for pedestrians and cyclists, letting users ask contextual questions without stopping or typing. The hands-free feature, now rolling out worldwide on iOS and Android, marks Google's latest push to transform Maps from a static GPS tool into a real-time conversational assistant that understands where you are and what you need.
Google is betting that the future of navigation isn't about better maps - it's about better conversations. The company announced Thursday that Google Maps now lets pedestrians and cyclists access Gemini hands-free while navigating, marking a significant expansion of the AI assistant's reach into everyday mobility.
The update builds on Google's November rollout of Gemini-powered conversational driving features, but this time it's designed for people on foot and bikes. Walk through an unfamiliar neighborhood and you can now ask "Tell me more about the neighborhood I'm in" or "What are some must-see attractions?" without breaking stride. Cyclists can keep both hands on the handlebars while asking "What's my ETA?" or even dictating messages like "Text Emily I'm 10 minutes behind."
Google's pitch is simple: walking and typing don't mix well. According to the company's announcement, the feature solves the awkward dance of stopping, pulling out your phone, typing a query, and then trying to remember which direction you were heading. Instead, Gemini stays active within the navigation screen, ready to field multi-part questions like "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? What's parking like there?"
