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Google Maps Upgrades Navigation in India with Gemini, Safety Alerts, and More
Google is introducing a range of new features to Google Maps in India, including the integration of its AI model Gemini, road safety alerts, and more detailed information about routes. The rollout, which began in the U.S. on Wednesday, brings hands-free AI assistance to Maps, as well as contextual suggestions while navigating and information about places of interest.
Miriam Daniel, vice president and head of Google Maps, emphasized the importance of localization in the rollout, stating that it’s not just about language, but also about adapting to how Indians use the product, ask questions, and identify places. The Gemini integration will be available to all Android and iOS users in India in the coming weeks, with support for nine Indian languages at launch.
New Safety Features and Partnerships
Google is also introducing a set of India-specific navigation and commuting updates, including visual and audio alerts for accident-prone stretches. The company is working with local authorities to provide these alerts, which will roll out to Android users in Gurugram, the Cyberabad region of Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Faridabad. Additionally, Google has partnered with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to receive near real-time data on road closures, diversions, and repair work.
Google has come under scrutiny in India over the reliability of some navigation routes, after a car drove off an unfinished bridge in Uttar Pradesh, killing three men, late last year. In response, the company is emphasizing the importance of keeping eyes on the road and encouraging users to report any inaccuracies or concerns.
Additional Features and Updates
The app will also display speed limits during navigation, using data from local traffic authorities. This feature is rolling out to Android and iOS users in nine cities: Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad (including the Cyberabad region), Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida. Furthermore, Google is introducing proactive notifications about major disruptions or delays on routes, even when users are not navigating.
Building on the flyover navigation feature launched last year, Maps is now getting voice support for flyovers. This feature is rolling out to Android and iOS users over the coming weeks. For more information on these updates and features, visit Here
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