Google Maps Now Uses Gemini AI to Scan iPhone Screenshots and Save Locations
Google Maps is getting smarter! The app is now using Gemini AI to scan screenshots on your iPhone and automatically save locations. This innovative feature, announced in March and now rolling out, aims to streamline travel planning and exploration. Instead of manually searching for places found in screenshots from websites, social media, or travel blogs, Google Maps will intelligently identify and save them.
Here’s how it works: After updating to the latest version of Google Maps, users can go to the "You" tab where a new "Screenshots" list will appear. A brief demo tutorial showcases the functionality. When you take a screenshot containing location information (names and addresses), Google Maps will detect and display the Maps listing. Users can then choose to "Save" or "Don't Save" the location.
The app offers both auto-scan (requiring access to all photos) and manual import options. With auto-scan enabled, new screenshots with location data are automatically presented in a carousel for review. Manually, users can browse their gallery and import images. A prominent “Turn on/off auto-scan” button provides easy control.
Once saved, the extracted locations are displayed directly on the map or can be accessed through the "You" tab. This integration makes travel planning seamless, ensuring that must-see spots aren’t lost among countless screenshots.
The Gemini-powered feature is now available in Google Maps for iOS in US English. Google has confirmed that it will be coming to Android users in the future, expanding accessibility across platforms.
This innovative feature addresses a common problem: the difficulty of managing and utilizing location information found in screenshots. By automating the process of identifying and saving these locations, Google Maps simplifies travel planning and makes it easier for users to discover new places.
Have you tried this new Google Maps feature? What are your thoughts? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below!
