Gemini app gains new ‘Map’ tool, replacing ‘/’ with ‘@’

Google has rolled out a new "Map" tool for its Gemini app on Android and iOS devices to enhance location-based prompts. The tool replaces the forward slash with an "@" symbol, similar to the use for Connected Apps, which are set to be renamed as "Connectors." Access to skills, connectors, and more is now available in a single location within the app.

The "Map" feature appears at the end of the carousel, alongside Photos, Camera, Avatar, Files, Drive, and Notebooks, on mobile devices. Upon launching the tool, users are presented with a live map of their current location, complete with a circular focus area. They can pan and zoom to their desired area and search for specific locations using the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner.

Once a location has been selected, users can click on "Explore this area," which adds a "Map Area" to the prompt box where additional text can be appended. The rollout of the "Map" tool is widespread, and the latest Google app beta (version 17.63) has already implemented the change. The update is set to soon replace Gems with skills, and users can access skills, connectors, and other features using the "@" symbol in the prompt box.

The box that appears after using the "@" symbol is wider than before, with skills listed first and a shortcut to create new ones. This change is not yet widely available but can be found on 9to5Google's YouTube channel for further updates.