Google Maps to be made More Conversational with AI
TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE
11/11/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
map (noun) — a picture that shows streets, towns, and places.
Example: I used a map to find my hotel.
AI (artificial intelligence) (noun) — a computer system that can think or talk like a person.
Example: AI can answer questions like a human.
talk (verb) — to speak or have a conversation.
Example: I like to talk with my friends online.
drive (verb) — to control a car or other vehicle.
Example: My dad drives me to school every day.
landmark (noun) — a building or place that helps people know where they are.
Example: The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
safe (adjective) — not dangerous; protected from harm.
Example: Always wear your seatbelt to stay safe in the car.
Google Maps to be made More Conversational with AI
Google is adding artificial intelligence (AI) to Google Maps to make it more helpful when you drive.
The new update will let people talk to Maps like they would talk to a friend in the car. You can ask it questions, like where to find food or a good place to visit.
The AI will also help you by naming landmarks, like “Turn right after the big church,” instead of saying “Turn in 200 meters.”
Google says it wants to make driving easier and safer, with fewer mistakes.
The new version will work on both Android and iPhone.
Comprehension Questions
What new feature is Google adding to Maps?
What can the AI help you find?
What will the AI say when giving directions?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you use Google Maps?
Do you think it’s easy to use?
Have you ever gotten lost?
Who usually helps you when you can’t find a place?
Do you like driving or being a passenger?
What’s a famous landmark in your city?
How often do you travel to new places?
Do you prefer walking or driving?
Have you ever used an AI app?
Would you like to talk to your map while driving?
Do you think AI can make driving safer?
What’s one place you’d like to visit?
How do you feel about technology in cars?
Do you trust AI tools?
What’s one feature you’d add to Google Maps?
Comprehension Answers (A1–A2)
Artificial intelligence (AI).
Places to eat or visit.
It will mention landmarks, like buildings or churches.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
navigation (noun) — the act of finding your way from one place to another.
Example: Navigation apps make traveling much easier.
conversational (adjective) — able to talk naturally like a person.
Example: The new AI sounds more conversational than before.
landmark (noun) — a well-known place that helps you know where you are.
Example: The river is an important landmark in the city.
safeguard (noun) — something that protects from danger or mistakes.
Example: New safeguards were added to keep drivers safe.
database (noun) — a large collection of organized information.
Example: The company uses a database to store customer data.
hallucinate (verb) — when AI gives wrong or imaginary information.
Example: Some AI tools hallucinate facts that aren’t true.
Google Maps to be made More Conversational with AI
Google has announced that AI is coming to Google Maps, making the popular navigation app more conversational and personal.
Using its Gemini AI technology, the app will soon be able to answer spoken questions, recommend restaurants or attractions, and describe landmarks you pass while driving.
Instead of saying, “Turn left in 300 meters,” it might say, “Turn left after the park.”
The AI will use data from more than 250 million places in Google Maps’ database, collected over 20 years.
Google says there will be strong safeguards to stop the AI from giving wrong directions or “hallucinating” information.
The new system will be available on Android and iPhone, reaching over 2 billion users worldwide.
Google hopes this move will not only improve navigation but also give its Gemini AI an edge over ChatGPT and other rivals.
Comprehension Questions
What technology will make Google Maps more conversational?
How will the AI help drivers when giving directions?
What is Google doing to prevent AI from making mistakes?
Personal Questions (15)
How often do you use Google Maps?
Have you ever had a GPS give you wrong directions?
Would you trust an AI to help you while driving?
Do you think AI will make navigation easier or more confusing?
What’s one feature you’d add to Google Maps?
Do you prefer spoken directions or visual maps?
What do you think of Gemini as a technology?
Have you ever used ChatGPT or another AI app?
What’s the most interesting place you’ve found using Maps?
Do you rely on navigation when walking too?
Would you pay for a better version of Maps with AI?
Do you think AI could replace human tour guides?
What are some dangers of using AI in navigation?
How can AI make travel safer?
Do you think people will ever stop using paper maps?
Comprehension Answers (B1–B2)
Gemini AI.
By describing landmarks instead of distances.
By adding safeguards to prevent wrong directions.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
navigation (noun) — the process of planning and following a route.
Example: Modern navigation systems combine maps, sensors, and AI.
insightful (adjective) — showing deep understanding or useful ideas.
Example: The AI offers insightful suggestions about nearby places.
fumble (verb) — to do something awkwardly or with difficulty.
Example: Drivers no longer need to fumble with their phones for directions.
safeguard (noun) — a protective measure that prevents harm or error.
Example: Safeguards in AI help reduce false or dangerous outputs.
hallucinate (verb) — when AI generates incorrect or imaginary data.
Example: Developers are working to reduce the rate of AI hallucinations.
database (noun) — an organized collection of data accessible by computers.
Example: Google’s Maps database holds millions of reviews and locations.
Google Maps to be made More Conversational with AI
Google has revealed plans to make Google Maps significantly more conversational, powered by its Gemini AI model.
The upgrade will transform Maps into a kind of digital co-pilot, capable of responding naturally to voice commands and offering insightful suggestions about restaurants, shops, and attractions along the route.
Instead of relying on robotic instructions like “Turn right in 400 meters,” Gemini will reference landmarks — “Turn right after the old theatre” — giving directions that feel more human.
However, Google is aware of the potential risks. Large language models like Gemini sometimes hallucinate, or produce inaccurate information. To prevent this, Google says it will include strong safeguards, ensuring directions remain reliable and grounded in verified data.
The AI will draw from over 250 million locations stored in Google Maps’ database, representing two decades of user reviews and updates.
By integrating Gemini into its navigation system, Google aims to enhance user experience while promoting its AI ecosystem — and to compete more directly with ChatGPT and other conversational platforms.
Comprehension Questions
How will Gemini AI make Google Maps more natural and conversational?
What problem is Google trying to prevent with safeguards?
Why is Google integrating AI into Maps beyond improving navigation?
Personal Questions (15)
How do you feel about AI giving driving directions in a human-like voice?
Do you think people will become too dependent on AI navigation?
What advantages might conversational AI bring to travel apps?
Could AI replace travel guides entirely?
Do you think Gemini will outperform ChatGPT in everyday use?
How can Google ensure its AI avoids “hallucinating”?
Would you allow AI to control your route completely?
How important is trust when using AI-based navigation tools?
What are the ethical challenges of using AI in real-world driving?
Should AI be allowed to make split-second driving decisions?
How could conversational AI change tourism?
Do you think it’s possible for AI to understand local culture or context?
What’s one situation where AI directions could go wrong?
Would you like AI to give you restaurant or sightseeing tips too?
In your view, what’s the next big step in smart navigation technology?
Comprehension Answers (C1–C2)
By allowing drivers to talk to Maps naturally and hear directions using landmarks.
Hallucinations or inaccurate information from the AI.
To showcase Gemini’s capabilities and compete with ChatGPT.
