Google has started rolling out a fresh upgrade for Gemini on desktop and mobile that levels up how it displays information from Google Maps. Instead of a wall of text followed by a map view at the end featuring pins, Gemini can now offer Google Maps results “in a rich, visual format” that gives users access to “photos, ratings, and real-world info.”
When users ask Gemini for nearby places like restaurants, parks, or attractions, it now displays an interactive map at the top with themed pins for different locations. Each location is highlighted with its own unique card that includes photos and a star rating, followed by a text response related to the user’s query.
This new card-based interface makes it easier to compare options at a glance without scrolling through a long list or switching to the Google Maps app for additional information. Tapping on the location card reveals a Gemini summary based on Google Maps reviews of the place. This includes additional cards like “People talk most about,” “People go here for,” “Review summary,” and “Tips from reviewers.”
Review summaries and tips are now baked into place cards
As their names suggest, these cards show things people frequently mention in their reviews of that particular place, an overall summary of the reviews, and advice shared in the reviews. Google Maps recently received a similar update that introduced Gemini-powered “Know before you go” tips based on user reviews and local data.
The updated Google Maps experience in Gemini started rolling out on desktop and mobile over the weekend, but it’s currently only available when the language is set to English. You can try it out by asking Gemini for nearby restaurant or sightseeing recommendations.
The change makes Gemini a more practical tool for real-world information about local hotspots, turning it into a handy tool for exploring, planning, and deciding where to go next. Add to it the Gemini-powered improvements for Google Maps navigation, and the overall experience from discovery to navigation feels much more cohesive and practical.
