Now even CarPlay users can talk to Gemini during Google Maps navigation

Gemini continues its spread across everything Google touches. When it’s not coming to new apps, it’s coming to our smart home devices, and even our cars. While Gemini on Android Auto has resulted in a few (hilarious) rough patches, it’s getting better all the time. And now Gemini’s making new progress over on the Apple side of the fence, as Google finally brings Gemini in navigation to Google Maps on CarPlay.

Considering how important it is to keep our interactions while driving as hands-free as possible, this is a big upgrade for CarPlay users. During navigation in Google Maps, users can talk to Gemini to find alternate routes, locate a place to refuel, or get advice about new destinations to add to the route.

Craving something special for lunch? Just tell Gemini what strikes your fancy, and it will track down options along your way. Looking to save some money? Gemini can find a way to avoid tolls.

Users can tap the Gemini icon or their dash’s display to initiate a conversation, whether that means finding somewhere new to visit, or reporting a traffic accident.

Google says that Gemini in Maps navigation for CarPlay is now available to drivers in the US, with a global rollout also underway.

CarPlay finally expanded beyond Apple Maps back in 2018, opening the door to both Google Maps and Waze. Things still aren’t 100% equal across platforms, but today’s word of expanded Gemini support is still a nice push forward towards giving drivers access to their choice of solutions.