Rabbit r1 is a mobile gadget that can perform in-app actions for you. No other AI product can do that, at least for now. But I’m sure iPhones and Android devices will get similar AI capabilities in the not too distant future. It will happen slowly, with useful in-app AI features coming to mobile devices as AI models improve.
One such feature is currently available for Gemini and Google Maps, and it’s so handy. Instead of just displaying that information in a window when you’re looking for directions, Google’s generative AI product will be able to open Google Maps. It’s already great functionality, especially on mobile devices where AI will slowly replace the voice assistant.
According to 9to5GoogleGoogle just released a Gemini update for Android that enables commands like “Navigate to [place]” or “take me to [x].”
Gemini will display a route summary, map, distance and travel time information when you give it one of these commands. Gemini also includes a link to “instructions”. However, the new behavior applies to redirecting to Google Maps.
After this week’s update, Gemini will open Google Maps with the route already listed. The Gemini-Google Maps integration will come in handy when driving. The AI should be able to automatically start navigating to the destination you just envisioned.
Along with Google Maps, Gemini also works with reminders and calendars after a recent update. You can use your voice to set reminders and calendar entries, according to the changelog:
You can now use your voice to set reminders and calendar entries with the Gemini app if your Workspace extension is turned on in your Gemini app settings. Availability of the Workspace extension varies by country. See more details here: https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/14579631#workspace_extension
Now when you ask for directions, Gemini will automatically start navigating with Google Maps.
We’ve updated voice commands to include automatic sending. No more pressing the ‘send’ button.
As 9to5Google points out, Gemini does not yet support music playback. But Google seems to imply that the feature is imminent: “Media providers: podcasts, news and radio stations, and third-party music providers are not currently supported in Gemini.”
All this may not sound like a big deal. It’s more like the basic functionality we’d expect from a product like Gemini, given that you can already issue similar commands to Google Assistant and Siri.
Also, those integrations are not the same as Rabbit r1. The gadget can order food, book an Uber ride and plan a trip, along with actual reservations. There is no twin yet. But when it comes to learning how to use user apps, Gemini has to start somewhere. Apps like Google Maps might be the place to do it.
The feature is only available on Android devices, which is understandable. This is where Google controls the operating system and applications. It will be interesting to see if Google can adapt it for the iPhone, though. Also, it will be good to see Gemini open Waze or another navigation app on Android phones if Google Maps isn’t present.