- The new co-pilot of Google Maps, based on GeminiIt allows for conversational and hands-free driving.
- Directions with real-world landmarks, voice traffic reports, and proactive alerts.
- Integration with Google Lens, calendar, bookings and electric car chargers.
- Initial rollout in the US; no confirmed date for Spain and support for Android Car on the way.
Google is activating a virtual co-pilot in Google Maps This transforms the app into a hands-free, conversational travel assistant. Built on the Gemini platform, this new feature promises more natural navigation, with useful real-time information and fewer distractions while driving—a welcome feature for both daily commutes and longer trips.
Beyond the typical “turn right in 500 meters”, the system understands chained requests, offers routes tailored to preferences and anticipates incidents. In Spain, availability is not yet finalized, but the update is underway where Gemini It is already operating, with progressive expansion to iOSAndroid and, later on, Android Auto.
What is Google Maps' copilot and how does it work?
It is a driving assistant based on Gemini It responds by voice and allows interaction without touching the screen. The copilot can handle multi-step requests, such as finding a restaurant along your route, check the parking, add the stop and adjust the estimated time of arrival without interrupting navigation.
In the interface, many users will see how the Assistant icon gives way to the spark of Gemini in the upper right corner. From there you can activate the IA using the usual command and asking it to share its arrival time, Add an appointment to the calendar, read you a summary of emails or manage bookings, always keeping the focus on driving.
Key functions while driving
The directions become more intuitive thanks to real-world landmarksInstead of abstract distances, you'll hear instructions like "turn left after the gas station," supported by data from 250 million places and in recent Street View images so that the turn is evident from the car.
The copilot sends proactive alerts It detects outages, accidents, or traffic jams, even with the app running in the background. For now, these early notifications have begun rolling out in the United States (Android), with expansion planned as the global rollout progresses.
You can also Report incidents by voice directly. Phrases like "I see an accident" or "There's a flood ahead" are enough to inform other drivers and improve the quality of traffic data without navigating through menus or taking your eyes off the road.
Another notable new feature is real-time lane guidance (Live Lane GuidanceThis function uses the vehicle's camera to "see" road markings and signs, providing warnings. visual and auditory on the right lane. Its initial launch is limited: it initially reaches USA and Switzerland and in compatible cars like the Polestar 4, with plans for further expansion.
Visual exploration and integration with your ecosystem
With the mobile phone's camera, the integration of Google Lens It allows you to point to a café, shop, or monument to instantly identify it and find out opening hours, ratings, or popular dishes. This visual layer of information starts in United States and will reach more regions as its rollout progresses.
The co-pilot also facilitates routine day-to-day tasks: locating chargers for electric vehicles, share your arrival time with a contactmanage appointments or review relevant data from your emailsAll of this is orchestrated through a conversational experience to adjust the route. on the progress without losing the thread of the journey.
Google indicates that the responses of Gemini Maps relies on geospatial data, verified reviews, and years of mapping to minimize errors. In Europe, the activation rate may be slower. regulatory requirements and regional validations, something common in previous releases of AI features.
Regarding dates, Google has confirmed a rollout in Android and iOS in the coming weeks wherever Gemini is available, and has announced that support for Android Auto "It's on its way." There's no official timeline for Spain and the rest of Europe, although some features may be activated gradually with app updates.
It is worth bearing in mind that certain capabilities, such as the points of reference Proactive notifications may take longer to appear outside the U.S. Additionally, Live Lane Guidance will depend on hardware of the car and its front camera, so access will be more exclusive at first.
Google Maps' co-pilot aims for more human and useful navigation: it combines voice, vision and context to reduce friction while driving, provide clearer instructions and offer timely assistance before, during and after the journey, with special attention to safety and simplicity in real use.
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