Google Maps is evolving with artificial intelligence integrated through Google's Gemini AI technology, shifting from a basic navigation tool to a more conversational and interactive companion. The redesign, announced Wednesday, aims to provide a hands-free experience that allows users to ask for directions and receive advice on nearby places to eat, shop, or sightsee without fumbling with controls.

The AI will enhance navigation by using landmarks for turn-by-turn instructions instead of traditional distance alerts, providing more precise guidance. Although AI chatbots sometimes face "hallucinations" or inaccuracies, Google promises built-in safeguards to prevent misleading drivers.

Google Maps draws on its extensive database of around 250 million places and reviews collected over 20 years to power these AI features. These updates will roll out on both iPhone and Android devices, reaching more than 2 billion users worldwide. Google hopes these AI enhancements will boost Google Maps' indispensability and give Gemini a competitive edge over rivals like ChatGPT.

This move aligns with Google's broader AI strategy, which includes updating its search engine to emphasise AI-generated conversational responses over simple web link listings, adapting to the evolving AI landscape sparked by OpenAI's ChatGPT launch in late 2022.

With inputs from AP