Google Maps goes hands-free with Gemini for walkers, cyclists

Google announced on Thursday that Google Maps users can now access Gemini hands-free while walking and cycling.

The update comes a few months after Google Maps rolled out its Gemini-powered hands-free, conversational driving experience.

The announcement marks Google’s ongoing efforts to plug Gemini into more parts of people’s everyday lives, while shifting Google Maps from static directions to real-time, conversational navigation.

“When you are walking around and navigating with Maps, you can now ask Gemini questions like “Tell me more about the neighborhood I’m in,” “What are some must-see attractions?” or “Are there cafes with a bathroom along my route?” a report by TechCrunch revealed.

Google says that walking and typing can be hard, which is why it is rolling out the ability for users to ask questions without breaking their stride or leaving Maps’ navigation screen.

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“If you are cycling, you can ask Gemini questions while remaining focused on the road, Google says. You can ask questions like “What’s my ETA?” or “When’s my next meeting?” Plus, you could ask Gemini to “Text Emily I’m 10 minutes behind” so you can communicate with others while keeping your grip on the handlebars,” the report added.

The feature lets you ask multiple questions in a conversation. For example, you could ask: “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple of miles? … What’s parking like there?”

The update is now available worldwide on iOS wherever Gemini is available, and rolling out on Android.

The move comes as Google recently updated Maps with new features, including a Gemini-powered “know before you go” tips sections that surfaces important information places you’re interested in. For instance, it might tell users the best way to book a reservation, reveal secret menu items, suggest the best place to park, and more.

Additionally, the navigation app also added an improved Explore tab and a new EV charger availability prediction feature. The updated Explore tab makes it easier and faster to find trending spots near you, while the EV charger feature allows users to see how many chargers will likely be available once they arrive at their destination.

Thursday’s announcement comes a day after Google updated Chrome with an enhanced Gemini integration and agentic features for autonomous tasks, as it looks to compete with AI browsers from companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, Opera, and The Browser Company. The tech giant also launched a persistent Gemini sidebar and a new auto-browse feature that can navigate websites on your behalf.

Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.

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