Using a generative AI bot like Google Gemini can be a bit clunky, but the experience is more seamless when using voice commands. According to Gemini's latest release notes, Google has updated the chatbot's voice commands to include automatic submissions. This can save you a step or two when you're asking for directions on Google Maps using the Gemini app on your smartphone.
How to Ask a Gemini for Directions
While Gemini already integrates Google Maps navigation, the latest changes make the process even more seamless. As stated in the March 25 Gemini release notes:
Now, when you ask for directions, Gemini will automatically start using Google Maps for navigation.
We've updated voice commands to include automatic submission. No more clicking the "send" button.
In short, after you give a voice command to Gemini, there's a small change in the way it operates. Gemini gives you the same information as before - route descriptions and map previews. But now, Gemini triggers this automatically after a short delay, without you having to press any further buttons.
So you can ask a Gemini some simple questions and let it guide you. As a conversational AI chatbot, it understands the question no matter how you ask it. For example:
"Take me from San Francisco International Airport to the Golden Gate Bridge."
“How to get to the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco International Airport?”
“Go to the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco International Airport, but take a slight detour to Twin Peaks.”
Generative AI then automatically displays some brief information about the route, time required, distance traveled, a map display, and a link to the full Google Maps route.
You can continue the conversation and ask any other questions about the route. For example:
“What are the best restaurants I can stop for a quick bite to eat along the way?”
"Is there a toll booth on the road?"
“If I take public transportation, what are the bus numbers and routes?”
Google's move isn't just for better AI integration between its apps. It also gets you closer to finding an alternative to using Google Assistant on your phone (at least until the latter is completely replaced by Gemini in the future). Unfortunately, for now, Gemini still lacks some basic features of Google Assistant, such as routines and "play music" commands.
Gemini is constantly improving. Each update integrates it better with existing Google apps — though Google Maps itself offers its own hands-free experience, and also features experimental generative AI capabilities.
You can enable the Gemini mobile app through Google Assistant on Android. The Gemini app is only available in English in the United States, and your Android phone must have 4 GB of RAM or more and be running Android 12 or higher. If you use iOS, Gemini is available through a tab in the Google app.
