So long, Assistant—Gemini is taking over Google Maps

Google is removing Assistant from all of its products, and the next target is Google Maps. Starting today, Gemini will begin rolling out in Maps, bringing new navigation experiences, location insights, and more. This update will eventually completely usurp Google Assistant’s hands-free role in Maps, but it will take time to roll out. So for now, Google Maps’ smart assistant will still depend on how you run the app.

In all incarnations of Gemini, Google emphasizes its conversational abilities. While Assistant struggled to keep a ball or two in the air, you can theoretically give Gemini much more complex instructions. Google’s demo includes someone asking for nearby restaurants with cheap vegan food, but instead of just providing a list, it suggests something based on user feedback. Gemini can also offer more information about the location.

Maps will also get its own Gemini-infused version of Lens after you park. You’ll be able to point the camera at a landmark, restaurant, or other business to get instant answers to your questions. This experience will be separate from the version of Lens available in the Google app, which focuses on providing location-based information. Maybe you want to know a restaurant’s menu or what’s inside. Sure, you could open the door…but AI!

While Google was recently forced to acknowledge that hallucinations are unavoidable, the Maps team says they don’t expect this to be a problem with this version of Gemini. Suggestions from the generative AI bot draw on Google’s billions of place listings and Street View photos. This would apparently make the robot less likely to make up a location. Google also unequivocally states that Gemini is not responsible for your route selection.