I let Gemini in Google Maps plan my day and it went surprisingly well | The Verge

TechAIGoogleI let Gemini in Google Maps plan my day and it went surprisingly wellIt never once told me to walk into a river.by Allison JohnsonApr 5, 2026, 2:00 PM UTCLinkShareGiftTake me to the tacos, Gemini.TechAIGoogleI let Gemini in Google Maps plan my day and it went surprisingly wellIt never once told me to walk into a river.by Allison JohnsonApr 5, 2026, 2:00 PM UTCLinkShareGiftAllison Johnson is a senior reviewer with over a decade of experience writing about consumer tech. She has a special interest in mobile photography and telecom. Previously, she worked at DPReview.You may be familiar with Gemini as the thing that’s in every Google service you use — whether you want it or not.While it’s been a constant, sometimes unwelcome presence in Gmail for at least the past year, it’s a relatively new addition to Maps. And you know what? It’s kind of great.To put it to the test, I had Gemini plan a day-long itinerary for me around the city. After an hour or so of having Gemini find stuff for me — playgrounds near the new light rail extension, kid-friendly restaurants with vehicle themes, you get the gist — I was impressed. Some of the suggestions were obvious, but I also bookmarked a handful of spots not on my radar.Gemini had big shoes to fill: my own. I’m a Google Maps fiend. I use it for normal stuff like getting around, but also, sometimes I just like scrolling around and seeing if anything new catches my eye. You can find some real gems this way. I’ve found bike rout...