Gemini replaces Google Assistant in Android Auto, the smartphone projection technology integrated into millions of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Google announced the move on Thursday, saying it would begin rolling out Gemini to Android Auto users who upgraded from Google Assistant to Gemini on their phones.
By bringing Gemini to Android Auto, Google will enable users to speak naturally, have back-and-forth conversations, and complete more complex tasks on the go, according to the company. Android Auto is an app that runs on your phone and wirelessly communicates navigation, music, messaging, and other features from your Android-based smartphone and projects them onto your car’s display.
This development is not surprising, as this change is part of Google’s plan to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across all Google devices and platforms. The company announced in May that Gemini would be coming to Android Auto this year.
Gemini allows users to ask questions and find specific information about businesses along their route. For example, users can ask questions such as: If a spot looks interesting, Gemini can provide more information about it, such as details about the restaurant’s most popular dishes and whether it’s dog-friendly.
Users can also use Gemini to reply to messages and get a summary of the text. For example, you can ask Gemini to let a friend know you’re stuck in traffic and add your estimated arrival time to the message. Alternatively, you can ask Gemini to translate your message into another language before sending it.
Gemini allows users to access their Gmail emails while driving. For example, a user can ask: “I’m booking a hotel for tonight. I think the address is in the email. Could you please check and take me there?” Gemini also lets you see a summary of your unread emails.
Google points out that Gemini can help people get the perfect soundtrack for their road trip by asking them to create a playlist with specific instructions, such as, “Can you give me a road trip playlist? Ideally, about 3 hours of upbeat songs. Good for both me and the kids.” This works with streaming services such as YouTube Music, Spotify, etc.
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Additionally, Google says users will be able to chat about anything by going to Live with Gemini and saying, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” From there, you can brainstorm ideas or learn something new.
For example, you could say, “Okay, I’m driving to St. Louis for a wedding. Would you mind being my tour guide and telling me some fun facts about it?” Then, she said, “Thank you for telling me so much about St. Louis. On a different note, the rehearsal dinner will be held at his parents’ home, and I’d like to give him a little something. Do you have any ideas?”
Gemini will begin rolling out Android Auto globally starting Thursday in 45 languages.
To access this, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the Gemini app on your phone. When a tooltip is available, it will appear on your car’s display. To use it, you need to say “Hey Google” and then press the microphone button on your car’s screen or press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel.
