Google Maps is rolling out four new features that are meant to save time and find activities over the coming holiday season and more. They include Gemini integration, an EV charger locator, trending activities, and helpful review tools for your favorite businesses.
Some of these features are rolling out now for Android and iOS devices globally, while others are specific to the United States or Android Auto only. Additionally, this is a gradual rollout, meaning that you might not have access immediately. Give it a day or two to see if these new features have become available and if not, you can always try updating the app.
Here’s what each of those Google Maps features do and where they’ll be available.
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Integrated Gemini
(Image credit: Google)
Using Gemini, Maps will help you research places like restaurants, hotels and concert venues but there will also be new “know before you go” tips. Gemini enables the navigation app to use reviews and other relevant information online to provide you with insights, like secret menu items, parking suggestions and more. Tapping the tips brings up even more information.
Gemini’s insider tips are rolling out now for Android and iOS but only in the U.S at the moment.
Updated Explorer tab
(Image credit: Google)
The Explorer tab in Maps has also been updated to “help you find your next move.” You can swipe up to see trending and popular activities along with restaurants and sights that are nearby.
It’s meant to give you quick last-minute inspiration for places to go while you’re out and about. The updated tab will also provide curated lists from sites like Lonely Planet, OpenTable, and Viator, alongside local influencer picks to help you discover new spots.
This feature is rolling out “this month” globally for Android and iOS devices.
EV charger update
(Image credit: Google)
Google Maps has had an EV charger locator tool since 2022 and last year, it got an upgrade to help electric vehicle drivers find out-of-the-way chargers. This new update goes even further though.
Now Maps will tell you how many chargers are “likely to be available upon your arrival” when you search “EV chargers” in Maps. Like the hidden chargers tool from last year, this new update utilizes AI to analyze historical and real-time charger availability to predict how many chargers will be free. Think of it like how Maps can tell you how busy a particular restaurant will be at any given time of day.
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The EV charger predictor rolls out “next week” for Android Auto and cars with Google built-in. However, Google did not specify exactly when it will arrive. It appears this feature will also see a global rollout though.
Holiday reviews for local businesses
(Image credit: Google)
Google is finally adding some “holiday cheer” to reviews. You can be anonymous by choosing a profile picture and profile name with holiday-based titles like “Eager Elf” but if you use one of the nicknames, the review will still be tied to your Google account.
This seems ripe for Grinches, but Google claims that the company’s built-in AI-based protections will “monitor for suspicious and fake reviews.” According to the search giant, its system halts both fake reviews purchased by businesses and scam profiles based on “abuse patterns.”
This anonymous review system is rolling out globally for Android, iOS and desktop devices this month.
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