GoKawiilGemini app gains mobile-only Map tool, swaps slash for @ symbol
Google has added a new Map tool to the Gemini app, currently available only on Android and iOS mobile versions. The tool shows users' location on a live map with zoom and search functions, and an 'Explore this area' button that adds map data to prompts. Separately, a beta version of the Google app is replacing the forward-slash shortcut with an @ symbol for accessing skills and connectors.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The addition of location-aware tools suggests Google is pushing Gemini toward more context-rich, real-world assistance rather than purely text-based queries. The shift from Gems to 'skills' and the @ symbol interface also points to Google streamlining how users access Gemini's growing feature set, which could make the assistant more consistent with other AI chat interfaces that use similar symbol-based commands.
- Gemini's new Map tool is currently mobile-only, not available on desktop.
- The tool lets users focus prompts on a specific geographic area via an 'Explore this area' button.
- Google is renaming Gems to 'skills' and replacing the slash command with @, rolling out October 13.
Google Pixel 9 Pro — Since this new Gemini Map tool is mobile-only, a Pixel phone gives you the smoothest first-party experience with Gemini baked right into the OS. It's the natural device for trying out Google's latest AI features like location-based prompts and Wallet integration as soon as they roll out.
See Google Pixel 9 Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-10-02
Published there as: “Google adds a Map tool to Gemini, but only on phones”
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