Google has introduced Gemini to Maps in India, along with road safety alerts and additional information about routes, enhancing the user experience for Android and iOS users in the country.
The AI integration, initially launched in the U.S., offers hands-free AI assistance on Maps, providing contextual suggestions while navigating and details about nearby places of interest. Miriam Daniel, vice president and head of Google Maps, emphasized the importance of localizing the rollout for India. She highlighted the need to adapt to how Indians use the product, ask questions, identify places, and navigate the unique geographical and cultural aspects of the country.
Gemini in Maps will soon be available in India, supporting nine Indian languages to cater to a diverse user base. In addition to Gemini, Google is implementing India-specific navigation and commuting updates. Drivers will receive visual and audio alerts when passing accident-prone areas, with initial rollout planned for Android users in specific regions like Gurugram, Cyberabad in Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Faridabad.
Addressing concerns over navigation accuracy, Google has partnered with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to receive real-time data on road closures, diversions, and repair work. This collaboration will enable Maps to display crucial information like public restrooms, restaurants, and fuel stations along national highways.
Furthermore, Google is introducing proactive notifications for major disruptions or delays on routes, extending support to Android users in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Users will also receive speed limit alerts during navigation, sourced from local traffic authorities, in cities like Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida.
Expanding on the flyover navigation feature launched previously, Maps will now offer voice support for flyovers, enhancing the overall navigation experience for users. This new feature will be gradually rolled out to Android and iOS users in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Google’s updates to Maps in India signify a commitment to enhancing user safety, convenience, and overall navigation experience. By incorporating region-specific features and collaborating with local authorities, Google aims to provide a more personalized and reliable mapping service for users across the country.
