Gemini acquires the ability to ground live maps

Google has integrated Gemini into Maps, allowing developers to use the company's vast geographic intelligence repository and providing its AI with direct access to real-world location data. The specifics: Through API requests, the feature retrieves current business hours, customer ratings, and venue details from Google's 250M locations across the globe. With interactive map widgets, developers can include AI-generated responses in their apps while maintaining the Google Maps experience. Without requiring user prompts, the system automatically identifies when geographic context improves a query and retrieves pertinent metadata. The feature is positioned as a premium option for enterprise apps, with pricing starting at $25 per thousand location-enhanced prompts. By incorporating its already popular mapping infrastructure into its sophisticated AI models, this integration gives Google a competitive advantage that is difficult for competitors to match. The combination offers a new level of location-aware AI-powered apps, even though the high price may be more appropriate for enterprise-focused requirements.