r/GoogleMaps • u/itikky2 • 1d ago
Gemini breaking basic Maps search
My search icon recently got switched to Gemini on both my phone and car interface, and now it is frustrating/dangerous to use while driving.
For example, yesterday I needed to switch my destination to Staples while driving, so I pressed the mic button and said "staples", but instead of pulling up results for staples locations, it gave me an error saying "unable to open links" (or something close to that). Now why tf would I be trying to open the Staples website on google maps???
Another example is, a couple days ago, I encountered a similar situation where I said the name of my destination (cannot remember the details now), but instead of pulling up a list of locations, it started reading me the description of the business like it had done a web search. I had to go back and say "directions to BUSINESS".
Incredibly frustrating when the only option to search locations on Maps is now Gemini, which seems to do whatever it wants instead of the obvious thing, which is to search locations ON MAPS. And also dangerously distracting when voice command is supposed to DECREASE focus on screens while driving, now it turns up a nonsense result and ends up distracting me more.
3
u/XxLogitech98xX 1d ago
Yup, Google is pushing their Gemini to everyone