The update enables a hands-free, conversational driving feature, allowing users to ask for directions, locate places along their route, check electric vehicle charger availability, or share their estimated arrival time without touching their phone. “It’s like having a knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat,” Google said in a blog post.

Google said Gemini will also help users perform tasks such as finding nearby vegan restaurants and make it easier to report traffic disruptions.

In addition, Google Maps will now display more visual landmarks such as gas stations, restaurants and prominent buildings along a route, alongside traffic lights and stop signs. The feature uses information from approximately 250 million listed places and Street View imagery to identify recognizable landmarks to support navigation.

The landmark-based navigation update has been rolled out on Android and iOS devices in the United States.