Google just gave Android Auto its most important update yet – and we tested it on the road

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Gemini is now available for Android Auto, replacing Google Assistant.
• The auto version brings a voice assistant capable of natural conversations.
• You have three different ways to initiate Gemini in your vehicle.

Earlier this year, Google announced that Gemini would be coming to Android Auto “in the coming months.” The coming months are here, as the rollout has officially begun, and Google’s AI is now appearing on vehicle dashboards globally.

Also: Google just rolled out Gemini 3 to Search – here’s what it can do and how to try it

Gemini in your car will work just like it does on your phone, and our first impressions of the update have been very positive. You can ask for complex information, have a back-and-forth conversation, get help finding a specific message or email, and more. You can even add stops to your navigation without needing to fumble with your dashboard. Phew.

But beyond performing tasks more effectively than the old Google Assistant could, Gemini is a conversational partner that enables you to speak naturally and get what you need. So, instead of thinking hard about how to properly communicate a query, you can simply talk to the assistant as you would with a passenger.

What’s new with Gemini on Android Auto

Google is offering up five ways you can use your new Gemini capabilities:

1. Add local stops like an expert

Maps has been getting several upgrades thanks to Gemini, and many of those features are trickling down to Android Auto. 

Also: How to turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more – it’s easy to opt out of AI

For example, if you’re looking for a local spot, Gemini can provide you with insights from real reviews and answer frequently asked questions about businesses. You might ask something like, “Hey Google, is there a restaurant with good burgers open now that’s along my route?” When you get an answer, you can follow up with queries like, “Is the restaurant dog friendly?” or “What specific food gets good reviews?”

Just yesterday, ZDNET’s Kerry Wan was exploring pizzeria options across Manhattan, so asking Gemini questions about specialty slices, allergens, and price points was more convenient than ever.

2. Send (and edit) messages with ease

Communicating while on the road is getting a little easier with Gemini in Android Auto.

You can ask for a summary of your recent text messages or dictate a new message. Google says you can string together requests like “I’m stuck in traffic. Can you let Leo know and add my ETA and a sorry emoji?” and then add “Can you also ask if he wants to grab coffee after the game? And please translate the message into Spanish.”

3. Better yourself while you drive

<!–>

You can use Gemini’s live mode to learn something new, Google says, to brainstorm ideas, to rehearse for important meetings, and more. You might ask, “I’m driving to Austin for work, tell me some things I need to see,” “I’m curious about the history of the state of Texas,” or “I want to rehearse what I’m going to say at a meeting, can you give me feedback?” This feature may be even more useful now if you have a curious child who’s full of unexpected questions. 

Also: Gemini for Home is finally rolling out for early access – here’s how to try it first

One thing to note is that Gemini on Android Auto cannot be interrupted mid-sentence, unlike on mobile. It’s often difficult to think and speak your mind accurately while driving, so being able to fix mistakes in questions and prompts during responses feels like an area for improvement.

4. Make the perfect playlist

Heading out for a road trip and want some music? You can ask Gemini to make a playlist. You can ask for specific songs or for general ideas, such as “a three-hour playlist of upbeat, family-friendly songs.” Google says you can even ask for mood music with a request like, “It’s raining. Can you play songs perfect for a rainy drive?”

5. Stay productive on your drive

Drive time can now be a little more productive, as you can access Gemini hands-free. You can ask for a summary of unread emails, view your Google Calendar, or make a specific request, such as, “I have a hotel booked for tonight, can you find the reservation, give me the address, and navigate there?”

Also: I let Gemini Deep Research dig through my Gmail and Drive – here’s what it uncovered

Google says the new Gemini AI assistant starts rolling out on Android Auto globally today. To get started, make sure you’re using the Gemini app on your phone. You’ll see a tooltip on your car display once it becomes available to you. To use it, just say “Hey Google,” press the mic button on your car screen, or long-press the voice control button on your steering wheel.

ZDNET’s verdict (for now)

Gemini on Android Auto is the AI assistant upgrade we’ve all been waiting for. It makes communicating and operating with your vehicle much easier and more seamless, and its capabilities feel limitless compared to those of Google Assistant. Eventually, we’d love to see the AI become more proactive in helping drivers drive more safely. For example, the idea of Gemini working in tandem with your car to alert you when you’re over the local speed limit, or if there’s an accident up ahead, feels like a logical next step.

Until then, this first release of Gemini is already a significant improvement over its predecessor and couldn’t have come sooner.

Source: Robotics - zdnet.com