Google Gemini Adds Interactive Map Tool and Swaps Skill Shortcut to ‘@’

Google is rolling out a notable update to its Gemini app on Android and iOS, introducing an interactive ‘Map’ tool to enhance location-based prompting. The feature provides mobile users with a seamless way to incorporate real-world geographic context directly into their conversations with the AI assistant.

Alongside the new mapping capability, Google is preparing a utility tweak to streamline how users interact with its ecosystem of AI extensions. According to discoveries in the latest Google app beta, the tech giant is phasing out the forward slash (‘/’) shortcut in favor of the ‘@’ symbol to trigger custom skills.

Interactive Mapping on Mobile

Located at the end of the media carousel on mobile devices—alongside options like Photos, Files, and Drive—the new Map tool lets users pull up an interactive window of their current location. From there, users can pan, zoom, or use a search bar to focus on a specific geographic area. Tapping ‘Explore this area’ instantly attaches the selected region to the active prompt box, allowing users to ask tailored, location-aware questions. This feature is already widely available on iOS and Android, though it remains absent on the web version.

Consolidating Commands Under the ‘@’ Symbol

Meanwhile, the change from ‘/’ to ‘@’ for invoking skills helps consolidate Gemini’s expanding list of extensions. With this transition, typing ‘@’ will serve as the single entry point for both Skills (which are replacing Gems) and Connectors (formerly Connected Apps). While the Map tool is already widely rolled out, the command shortcut update is currently limited to beta testers running Google app version 17.63 and is expected to reach a broader audience soon.

Source: Original Coverage