Google Maps new features: Gemini AI, Live Lane Guidance & India-First Upgrades Rolled Out

Google Maps new features are now rolling out globally and in India, bringing Gemini AI support, enhanced navigation tools, safety alerts, power-saving improvements, and deeper integration with vehicles and transit systems. These updates collectively redefine how users move, explore cities, plan trips, and stay safe on the road. Google has confirmed that more than two billion people rely on Maps every month, and the latest improvements aim to make the experience smarter, faster, and more relevant to everyday travel.

Gemini AI Brings Conversational Navigation to India

Google has introduced a new version of Maps in India powered by Gemini AI. Drivers can now interact with Maps using natural language questions such as, “Where is the nearest petrol pump?” or “Is parking available ahead?” Maps responds instantly with spoken and visual answers.

Gemini AI can also handle multi-step commands. For example, users can search for a restaurant, check traffic, and set the route without touching their phone. When connected to Gmail and Calendar, Maps can even generate reminders for meetings or travel. This conversational upgrade aims to reduce distractions and provide a more intuitive, hands-free navigation experience.

Safety Improvements: Accident Alerts and Speed Limit Integration

Google has partnered with local traffic departments to introduce Accident-Prone Area Alerts in cities like Gurugram, Cyberabad, Chandigarh, and Faridabad. These alerts appear as voice and visual notifications, warning drivers when they approach high-risk zones.

Authoritative Speed Limit Data, directly linked to city traffic departments, is now available in multiple cities including Mumbai, Jaipur, Noida, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. Maps also integrates real-time information from NHAI, giving users access to updates on national highways covering closures, diversions, traffic load, and available facilities.

These enhancements focus on safer commuting, especially in areas where uncertain road conditions often slow down travel.

India-First Features for Two-Wheeler Riders

To address the unique conditions of Indian roads, Google Maps is rolling out new tools for two-wheeler navigation. Riders can customize route preferences for scooters or bikes, while improved voice navigation now supports flyover guidance in nine Indian languages. These updates will begin rolling out on Android devices over the next few weeks.

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Metro Ticket Storage Now Integrated with Google Wallet

Commuters in Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, and Chennai can now save metro tickets directly to Google Wallet and access them through Maps during transit. This eliminates the need to switch between apps or locate ticket messages. The feature will soon launch in Mumbai as well, boosting convenience for daily urban travelers.

New Power-Saving Mode for Android Users

Google Maps is also testing a dedicated Power Saving Mode on Android to reduce battery usage during long trips. Early reports show that the interface becomes monochrome, displaying only essential navigation information. The feature was spotted in beta version 25.44.03.824313610.

To activate it, users can press their phone’s power button. Maps then removes all colors and reduces UI elements, showing only the map, arrow indicator, ETA, distance, and remaining time. This mode works only in portrait orientation and is especially useful during long journeys when battery backup is limited.

Live Lane Guidance for Cars with Google Built-In

Google announced a major navigation upgrade: Live Lane Guidance, available exclusively in vehicles with Google built-in. Unlike traditional lane suggestions, this feature uses the vehicle’s front-facing camera and onboard sensors to understand exactly which lane the car is in.

The system:

• Detects lane markings
• Analyzes real-time video using AI
• Issues alerts when it’s safe to change lanes
• Helps avoid last-minute turns or missed exits

The Polestar 4 will be the first car to receive this feature in the coming months, with wider availability planned across the U.S., Sweden, and other regions later.

Google clarified that live lane guidance will not be available on smartphones because phones lack the integrated camera access required for road-level analysis.

7 Hidden Google Maps Features You Should Be Using

Beyond new updates, several powerful features already exist but remain underused:

1. Offline Maps

Users can download maps for areas without internet access.
Steps: Search → More → Download Offline Map.
Downloaded maps can be accessed via Offline Maps under your profile.

2. Translate Locations

Maps can speak names and addresses in local language and your preferred language.
Tap the speaker icon next to a location to hear translations.

3. Save Parking

Tap the blue dot → “P” icon → Save Parking.
Users can share location, add notes, and even set parking reminders.

4. Add Stops

Useful for trips with multiple destinations.
Tap 3 dots → Edit Stops → Add or reorder destinations.

5. Google Earth Integration

Tap the 360° circular arrow icon to open immersive Google Earth previews.

6. Food Ordering from Maps

On selected restaurants, Maps lists delivery partners under “Place an order.”

7. Avoid Tolls

Tap 3 dots → Options → Toggle Avoid tolls.

These features continue to play a role in making Google Maps a daily utility for travelers, commuters, riders, and tourists.

Google’s latest updates combine AI advancements, safety improvements, vehicle integrations, and India-first features into one of the most significant upgrades to Maps in recent years. With conversational Gemini AI, power-saving navigation, metro ticket storage, live lane guidance, and enhanced tools for two-wheelers, Google Maps now aims to provide a smarter, safer, and more efficient travel experience for users across India and beyond. More features are expected to roll out over the coming months as Google expands its partnerships with automakers, government agencies, and urban transit networks.