Craig is a reporter for Pocket-lint based in Toronto. He earned a diploma in journalism from Seneca Polytechnic and holds a Media Foundations certificate from Humber College. Craig previously interned and wrote for MobileSyrup, a Canadian tech publication. He enjoys reading and writing about consumer technology, especially phones, tablets, and PCs.
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Google has been rolling out Gemini updates across nearly all its services and products, including Google TV, Gmail, Google Drive, Android Auto, and its Pixel phones. Recently, the tech giant announced it's rolling out Gemini's Personal Intelligence feature to Android Auto, letting users interact with Gemini and get more personalized responses on the road.
With Personal Intelligence, Gemini can tap into the Google services you use, including Gmail, Calendar, and even your messages, if you give it permission, to provide the most relevant answers possible.
While Personal Intelligence isn't available on Apple CarPlay, Google isn't leaving iPhone users entirely in the dust. The company just announced it's rolling out Gemini in Google Maps for Apple CarPlay, letting you interact with Gemini and enjoy a more conversational experience on the road.
Google calls this experience "Gemini in navigation," and it lets you talk to Gemini within Google Maps naturally while driving. Whether you need to find a gas station, coffee shop, or avoid tolls, you can ask Gemini, and it'll respond almost instantly and automatically redirect you, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
How to try Gemini in Google Maps with CarPlay
You'll find a new Gemini icon in the app
If you use Google Maps with CarPlay and want to try Gemini, all you have to do is tap the Gemini icon on the right side of the interface, just above the hazard icon, on your car's display.
From there, you can ask Gemini anything, even if it has nothing to do with your current route, such as the best place to eat dinner near you or to play tennis. You can also ask multistep questions, like asking it to find a nice park with good views and to determine the best time of day to go.
But Gemini can do more than just help you find places to go. Google says you can also use it to report traffic disruptions or road hazards, or ask about places you spot along the way. So, if you pass an interesting landmark and want to learn more about it, you can tap the Gemini icon and ask.
Gemini in navigation is now available in Google Maps for CarPlay users in the US. Google says it's also begun rolling it out globally, so you should see it soon if you're outside the US.