Google adds Gemini to Google Maps navigation on CarPlay, letting iPhone drivers find parking, report incidents and change routes by talking
Gemini is now available in @GoogleMaps navigation on CarPlay. Find the best place to park, report a traffic incident, or change your route with just a quick conversation. Tap the Gemini icon in Google Maps CarPlay during your next drive to try it out 馃殬
Context
It puts Google's assistant inside Apple's car platform, reaching drivers who do not use Android.
CarPlay is Apple's system for running iPhone apps on a car's screen. The day before, Google began rolling out Personal Intelligence for Gemini on Android Auto, covered in the October 20 deck.
Deep dive
On October 21, Google posted that Gemini is now available in Google Maps navigation on CarPlay. It said drivers can find the best place to park, report a traffic incident or change their route with a quick conversation, by tapping the Gemini icon in Google Maps on CarPlay during their next drive.
The video shows a driver asking where the park with a view of the skyline and the Space Needle is. Gemini identifies Kerry Park in Seattle and offers to navigate. The driver asks whether now is a good time to go, and Gemini says the park is open until 10 pm. Asked about rain, it says the forecast shows a 5% chance. The driver says to avoid tolls, and Gemini updates the route. Fine print says the sequence was shortened and simulated, and that results may vary.
The post did not say which countries or languages are supported, or whether a Google account sign in or Personal Intelligence is required on CarPlay.
Gemini in Google Maps had already come to Android phones and Android Auto. Bringing it to CarPlay matters because many iPhone owners use Google Maps in the car instead of Apple Maps. A day earlier, Google began rolling out Personal Intelligence for Gemini on Android Auto, which lets it use a driver's Gmail, Calendar and other apps.
What to expect next
Watch for Google to say where Gemini in Maps on CarPlay is available and whether Personal Intelligence comes to CarPlay too. How Apple responds matters, since Siri is the default assistant on CarPlay and Apple has been upgrading it. Also watch drivers' reports on whether talking to Gemini while driving is useful or distracting. Support for more countries and languages would widen its reach.