Google Maps brings major AI upgrades with Gemini, Play Store now sells gift cards for top brands

Technology users are getting major updates on two of Google’s most popular services: Google Maps and the Google Play Store. The upgrades focus on making daily tasks easier, from finding your way on the road to buying last-minute gifts.

The mapping application is receiving a big boost from Gemini, the company’s powerful new artificial intelligence. This AI is now taking over from Google Assistant to create a helpful, hands-free driving experience. Drivers can now talk to the app as if they have a knowledgeable friend riding shotgun. By tapping the Gemini icon or simply saying “Hey Google,” you can ask questions about your journey.

For instance, you can ask to find nearby restaurants, check what popular dishes they serve, or see if parking is available. The AI sifts through a huge amount of information, including data on over 250 million businesses, to give you quick, clear answers.

Beyond just finding food, Gemini also makes reporting problems simpler. Instead of picking from a menu of options, you can use natural language to report traffic issues, saying things like, “I see an accident” or “Looks like there’s flooding ahead.” The full power of the AI is available on the road, too.

You can ask for help with multi-step chores, like “Find a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route,” and then follow up with, “Okay, let’s go there,” all in one conversation. Users on Android can even ask Gemini to do things like add new appointments to their calendar or quickly share their estimated arrival time with others.

Getting directions is also becoming less confusing thanks to a new Landmark-based Navigation feature. Instead of relying only on basic details like street names and distances, directions will now include things you can easily spot. Prompts like “turn right in 500 feet” will now include references to gas stations, restaurants, and well-known buildings that are easy to see from the street.

For example, you might hear a direction like, “turn right after the big coffee shop.” To make this possible, the app uses Gemini’s ability to “see” and identify landmarks from its Street View images and matches them to business listings.

Another smart addition is the improved Google Lens feature in the Maps search bar. You can point your phone at a place and start a chat with the app about it. You might ask, “What is this place and why do people like it?” or “Do they take walk-ins?” The AI will then summarize the best information for you. These features are gradually being released for Android and iOS users.

In other news, the Google Play Store is changing into a digital shopping area for gifts. The store has formed a partnership with Blackhawk Network to create a new way for users to buy and send gift cards. Now, you can purchase and send digital gift cards for many major companies—stores, dining spots, and entertainment services—all directly from the Play Store app.

The process is very easy: a new “Gift cards” option can be found in your profile menu. Once inside, you can look through different types of cards, pick the brand and the amount you want to send (which can range from $10 up to $500, depending on the retailer). After selecting a virtual design, you simply enter the recipient’s email or phone number.

The gift is then sent securely as a link via email or text message. For users, this is a much simpler way to buy gifts without having to leave the app. For brands, it opens up a new and powerful sales channel to reach the massive number of people who use Google Play every month.