Trying Gemini in Google Maps: A Fully Hands-Free Assistant
Trying Gemini in Google Maps: A Fully Hands-Free Assistant
In this engaging video, we dive into Google Maps’ latest innovation: the Gemini feature, designed for truly hands-free navigation and assistance. Taking a test drive around Mountain View, California, I’m joined by Vishal Duta, a Google Maps product manager. He highlights how Gemini enhances the navigation experience, functioning as a conversational assistant—think of it as a knowledgeable friend riding shotgun.
As I navigate, I demonstrate Gemini’s capabilities, like finding nearby cafes without touching my phone. I ask, “Hey Google, is there a good cafe on my route that also sells pastries?” and receive a curated list of options, allowing for a personalized dining experience. With Gemini, I can converse casually; whether I’m searching for vegan cafes or suggesting places with good matcha, the assistant adapts seamlessly.
From adding tasks to my calendar to reporting construction impediments, Gemini acts as a multifunctional assistant, enhancing road safety and convenience, regardless of your car’s tech level. The integration boosts everyday driving, making it easier to stay focused on the road while managing tasks efficiently.
Join us as we explore this revolutionary feature that could redefine road trips and daily commuting. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more on all things mobile!
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Video “Trying Gemini in Google Maps: A Fully Hands-Free Assistant” was uploaded on 12/15/2025 to Youtube Channel CNET

































But this is the paid version of Gemini, correct?
I played with it today, its ok. The voice could be much smoother and the lack of CarPlay support means I’ll never use it over Apple Maps at this point. It also struggled to launch maps while in Gemini, it would say there’s a route created but would never let me access it.
I wish you could customize the access to pacific Google apps not all with this Gemini feature
CNET, google manager. Find some pilots…go out use Nav charts that pilots use. Just thinking outside the blue box! 😅
When is it coming to Canada?
Aloha Bay Area! I tried Gemini in the kitchen, had it assist with creating different recipes. Even broke it down for high altitude. Wow love it! Mahalo from Kauai Island❤
People already talk to their phones while driving in Atlanta. The results are a ongoing driving disaster. We shouldn’t do some things just because we can.
Arbrar, would you please speak more slowly when giving the info spiel, more conversationally like when you were talking to the engineer. Thanks.
Read more on CNET.com: I Tried Google Maps' New Gemini Feature, and It Was a Surprisingly Helpful AI Assistant https://zdcs.link/9yGRDr
Like with Google Home Assistant they seem to deprecate their original before the new is released. That is, some of my commands and functions start to fail in that gap until the new is released. Example; I can no longer tell Google Maps in Google Auto to navigate somewhere it tells me it cannot understand 😂
Can we not "rebuild the building while there's occupants"?
Looking forward to this hitting my iPhone 17 Pro – someday soon?
Islam is poisen for the planet
Love google, their iOS apps sold me a Chromebook too. The entire machine is cheaper than iPads keyboard lol, and actually quite nice.. And with 12 months Gemini Plus. Good times to jump onboard, tho I will stay on iOS.
When I drive, Gemini doesn't understand me. It seems to be too loud.
See, this is why Pixels tank every year, as doing the demo on Apple's insanely popular iPhone 17 Pro Max just made even more Android users switch. 🤭
Doing all these google experiences with a iphone just seems so backwards, just throw the iphone out the window if your not gonna use siri🤷🏾♂️
The most surprising part is a Google product manager let you demonstrate their product on an iPhone 😂
Actually, you no longer have to say Hey Google!❤😂👍😊
Cool! 😎
❤😅😊
@ICE
I wish they would integrate Waze in Google maps too.
Gemini sounds kinda robot-y here tho
I still haven’t gotten Gemini for Google Maps yet
EXTREMLY few seconds of this video was ACTUALY her using the ai in real time…… :/
Wow, look at all the useless/rebranded 'with AI' gimmicks :))
Google Map has repeatedly tried to kill me, smash my car and once it tried to drown me. It directed me to drive through a deep river, no bridge, no road. It's awful. 1 ⭐ USE WITH CAUTION ON KNOWN ROUTES. DON'T USE AT ALL IN STRANGE AREAS
Interesting seeing IPhone instead Android
What’s she/he driving with on her head ?
What they can do today is beyond believe. I'm almost 80 so I'm old fashioned. Too late to learn the new.
Love how Google always test its features on iOS rather than Android
Google Gemini rules 🤟🤟😍
It's 2025 and we still can't edit out the activation phrase in these types of videos? Do better tech news sites.
Wonderful tech for all. I noticed your eyes were off the road for a second or two, while looking at the cell phone display. I do the same too. But for senior citizens, like myself, reaction time is slower.
Next time – maybe filter the activation word? Impossible watch with my smart speaker nearby.
Who’s Google Assistant Activated? 👍🏼
Nice ad
I get that there were two other people in the car to keep an eye out, but gosh Abrar was making me nervous constantly looking into the camera while going over the features. Better to treat the camera like a friend on the phone too and not even look at it.
with FSD you do not need to drive, the car will drive the entire way – you never touch the wheel
Would love to see it integrate with CarPlay. Other than traffic, is there any thought to have Gemini Google Maps have weather alerts? Like you will be driving into a storm cell in 10 minutes or there is reported street flooding in Weimar, TX which is on your route. Would also like to see weather radar of some sort, that can be integrated with Google Maps. Last question, is there an indicator that shows the Gemini is now part of your Google Maps for iPhone. Mine still does not have Gemini and I have the latest downloads of Gemini and Google Maps with hands free microphones on.
Very specific scenarios that rarely occur.