Tech

Android Auto just got smarter: Gemini AI now powers your car’s voice controls

The update replaces rigid commands with fluid dialogue, offering intuitive navigation, messaging, and entertainment features.

FILE PHOTO: Gemini logo in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Dado Ruvic
Update:

For years, voice assistants in cars have been functional but often rigid, requiring specific phrases to get things done. That dynamic is changing significantly starting today. Google announced that Gemini is officially rolling out to Android Auto, bringing a truly conversational AI experience to over 250 million vehicles globally. For drivers who have already upgraded to Gemini on their smartphones, this integration promises to make the commute not just more productive, but significantly more natural and less distracting.

The core philosophy behind this update is moving away from robotic commands toward fluid conversation. You no longer need to memorize the exact syntax to set a destination or send a text. With Gemini, you can speak as you would to a passenger. Gemini leverages Google Maps to answer complex queries. If you are driving and suddenly crave barbecue, you can ask for spots along your route that are open now. You can even follow up with questions about specific dishes or whether the restaurant is dog-friendly, all without taking your eyes off the road.

A smarter co-pilot for communication and entertainment

Beyond navigation, Gemini addresses one of the biggest frustrations of driving: handling messages. Previously, dictating a text meant that if you made a mistake, you often had to cancel and start over. Gemini changes this by allowing you to edit messages naturally. You can tell the assistant to change the ETA, add a specific emoji, or even translate the text on the fly. The integration extends to Gmail, Calendar, and Tasks, allowing you to summarize emails or check hotel addresses directly from your inbox via voice.

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Entertainment also gets a massive boost in intuition. Instead of fumbling through playlists on Spotify or YouTube Music, you can now ask for music based on a vibe or activity. Whether you need an upbeat road trip playlist for the kids or something moody for a rainy drive, the AI understands the context. Furthermore, the “Live with Gemini” beta feature allows for open-ended conversations, letting you brainstorm gift ideas, rehearse a speech, or learn fun facts about your destination. This update is rolling out globally now in 45 languages, accessible simply by saying “Hey Google” or pressing your car’s voice control button.

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