Live Map Arrives for Gemini, Command System Changed
· AI Applications · Cem Koyluoglu
Google quietly made updates to Gemini all week. The latest mobile updates bring two very useful features to your phone. The company, in addition to a much cleaner way to instantly call up your favorite shortcuts and integrations, directly in the Gemini app.
TL;DR Google has quietly rolled out two new Gemini AI features for mobile: a cleaner shortcut system using “@” and an interactive Map tool that lets users explore locations directly within the app. The Map feature is already available on most Android and iOS devices, while the “@” shortcut system is still in beta.
Key Highlights • Gemini now uses “@” instead of “/” for shortcuts, offering a streamlined menu of custom Skills and Connectors. • The new Map tool appears in the bottom‑menu bar and lets users launch a live map, pin locations, and add “Map Area” tags to prompts. • Users can request local restaurants, tours, or neighborhood tips without typing full addresses, and the feature works on both Android and iOS.
Google quietly rolled out updates to its Gemini AI throughout the week, adding two practical features for mobile users. The company introduced a cleaner way to summon favorite shortcuts and integrations, and embedded a new interactive Map tool directly within the Gemini app.
How the New Interactive Map Tool Works on Mobile
According to 9to5Google, the Map feature is already visible to most Android and iOS users. Open the Gemini app, scroll to the bottom of the bottom‑menu bar where the Photos, Camera, and Files options appear, and you will see the new Map icon. Tapping the icon launches a live map centered on your current location. You can zoom in with a pinch gesture, drag the pin, or use the search bar to select a different city. When you tap a point and press the “Explore this area” button, Gemini adds a “Map Area” tag to your prompt. From there, you can request local restaurants, quick daily tours, or neighborhood tips without typing long street names or coordinates.
The Slash Symbol Is Replaced by “@”
Google also addressed a long‑standing interface quirk in the latest Google app beta (version 17.63). When you type a slash ("/") the app now displays a brief message indicating that shortcuts have officially switched to the “@” symbol. Typing “@” opens a single, streamlined menu that shows your custom Skills, shortcuts for creating new ones, and a neatly ordered list of all active Connectors tools.
The Map feature is already active for most phone users. The new “@” shortcut layout remains in beta and is expected to reach all users within the next few weeks.
Source: https://www.androidheadlines.com/2026/10/google-gemini-app-map-tool-slash-commands-update.html