Google is replacing Assistant with Gemini AI on Android Auto. The update was announced in May and has now begun rolling out to users.
With Gemini on board, drivers can have natural conversations with the chatbot and ask it to accomplish some complex tasks. This allows drivers to reduce screen browsing and stay focused on the road.
To use the AI assistant in your car, you must upgrade from Google Assistant to Gemini on your Android phone. The rollout is staggered and is expected to be completed in 45 languages over the next few months.
Once the feature becomes available, Google says you’ll see a tooltip on your car’s display if you’re using the Gemini app on your phone. After that, to summon the assistant, you can just say “Hey Google,” press the mic button on the infotainment screen, or long-press the voice control button on your steering wheel.
At launch, you can ask Gemini to pull up addresses from Gmail, provide insights about local eateries from Google Maps, edit and send messages, check emails, provide translations, and suggest playlists, among other things.
A future update will also bring Gemini Live to Android Auto, meaning you’ll be able to have a continuous conversation with the chatbot about a topic, just like you would on the chat interface of ChatGPT or Gemini.
Use cases suggested by Google include voice prompts such as “I’m stuck in traffic. Can you let Leo know and add my ETA and a sorry emoji?”, “Okay, I have a hotel booked for tonight. I think the address is in my email. Can you check and navigate there?,” and more. You can check out additional prompts in Google’s press release or in the YouTube video above.
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While Gemini rolls out to Android Auto, it won’t be available on Apple CarPlay anytime soon. There are no updates on that front, a company spokesperson tells The Verge.
Getting Gemini to Android Auto is part of Google’s broader plans to integrate the AI assistant into every one of its products possible. It’s already available on select Google TV devices, Google Maps, Chrome, and many other products.
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Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.
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