Last updated: February 17th, 2025 at 10:58 UTC+01:00
Google has been rapidly adding new features to Gemini for Android. In its latest effort to improve the GenAI assistant, the company has added its contextual chip to the Google Maps app for the OS. The latest addition makes it easier to use Google Maps with help from Gemini.
According to Android Authority, while using the latest beta version of the Google Maps app for Android (version 16.4.35), when you select a place and summon Gemini, you will see a small pop-up from the AI assistant with Google Maps’ link to the place and an ‘Ask Gemini’ input field.
You can then ask Gemini to perform various actions, such as telling you how to reach it or providing information about the location. You can provide the query or command by typing it out or clicking the microphone button in the window and speaking it. You then have to hit the send button and Gemini will come up with an answer for you.
From what we could gather, folks at the publication manually activated the feature by tinkering with the Google Maps’ APK. It means that even if you have the latest beta version of the app, you won’t be able to see the Gemini chip inside it. Considering that the feature is working, we assume that Google will roll it out to more people soon.