Joe Maring / Android Authority
Add Android Authority on Google:
TL;DR
- Google has introduced a new “Map” tool to the Gemini app.
- This tool can be used to help with location-based prompts.
- Google is also replacing the forward slash with the @ symbol to call upon skills.
Google is giving Gemini a fair amount of attention this week. The tech giant just recently rolled out Guided Vision for Gemini Live to help blind and low-vision users. Gemini can also now connect with Wallet to access your boarding passes, event tickets, and more. Just as the week is coming to a close, Google is rolling out a couple more changes.
The first update brings a “Map” tool to Gemini, but only on mobile. Android Authority first spotted evidence of this feature back in February. According to 9to5Google, this tool has now been widely rolled out and is available on both Android and iOS. You’ll find it at the end of the carousel, along with Photos, Camera, Avatar, Files, Drive, and Notebooks.
When you tap Map, your location will appear, along with a circular focus area, on a live map. You’ll be able to zoom in and out as you please, and the magnifying glass in the top right will let you search for a specific location. Opposite the search button is an X button to exit, and an “Explore this area” button is at the bottom. Tapping on Explore this area will add “Map Area” to your prompt, allowing you to write prompts focused on that location.
The second update was found in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 17.63). When you type a forward slash into the prompt box, a note will pop up saying “/ is now @. Access your skills, connectors and more from a single place.” As a refresher, Google is replacing Gems with skills, which are scheduled to roll out on October 13. As for connectors, that’s the new name for connected apps.
Typing @ will pull up a box where you’ll see your skills and the option to create new ones. Your connectors will be located below your skills. Unlike Maps, this change has not been widely rolled out yet.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.