What you need to know
- Gemini is being introduced as a replacement for Google Assistant on select Android Auto systems.
- This transition marks one of the final stages in Google’s rollout of Gemini, following its implementation on Android, Wear OS, and Google Home.
- Users of Android Auto are beginning to notice Gemini in various beta builds, a change facilitated by a server-side update.
In a strategic shift, Google is gradually phasing out Google Assistant in favor of its new AI companion, Gemini. Android Auto, a platform that has long relied on the familiar voice assistant, is now on the brink of this transformation. The initial announcement came during Google I/O, where the tech giant hinted that Gemini would be making its way into vehicles “in the coming months” and specifically “this fall.” As of this week, the first signs of Gemini’s arrival are evident, with several Android Auto users reporting the change.
According to a recent Reddit thread, users began experiencing Gemini in their vehicles starting late Wednesday, November 5. This update appears to be a server-side enhancement linked to Android Auto versions 15.6 and 15.7, which are currently in beta testing. However, it remains unclear whether this rollout is exclusive to beta testers or if it will soon extend to the broader public.
<blockquote class="reddit-card" id="1opoieb/gotgeminitonight”>Got Gemini tonight from r/AndroidAuto
While Gemini takes over the functionalities of Google Assistant, it retains the familiar “Hey Google” wake word. Among the notable upgrades that accompany Gemini on Android Auto are enhanced natural-language processing capabilities and the introduction of Gemini Live support. This feature allows drivers to engage in real-time conversations with the assistant while on the road. Depending on the vehicle’s screen size and aspect ratio, the Gemini interface can be positioned either at the bottom or side of the Android Auto display.
Furthermore, Gemini’s integration into Google Maps promises smarter navigation, leveraging AI and Google Lens for improved direction-giving. A particularly exciting feature is its ability to translate text messages in over 40 languages, enabling users to edit translations without needing to restart the command.
What it’s like to use Android Auto and Gemini together
During a recent trial at Google I/O 2025, Android Central explored the capabilities of Gemini within Android Auto. Users found that Gemini excels in managing complex requests and effectively handling multiple follow-up questions. For instance, a user could initiate navigation while simultaneously inquiring about a restaurant’s closing time and its proximity to the nearest gas station—all through voice commands.
Gemini’s design also incorporates personal context, allowing it to remember specific preferences, such as consistently texting a particular contact in Spanish. With Android Auto already integrated into approximately 250 million vehicles, the arrival of Gemini signals an exciting enhancement for drivers, with broader access anticipated in the near future.
