Android Auto users are now greeted with an innovative companion on the road—Google’s Gemini AI assistant. This new feature, which is rolling out today, promises to transform the driving experience by providing a “truly conversational” voice assistant that can assist with directions, manage messages, and even help with errands.
According to Guemmy Kim, Senior Director of Product & User Experience for Android for Cars, Gemini allows users to engage in natural dialogue, enabling them to complete more complex tasks seamlessly. “You can just speak naturally, have a back and forth conversation and get more complex tasks done,” Kim stated in a recent blog post.
To access Gemini, users must download the dedicated app on their Android devices. Once installed, the app will appear on the car’s infotainment display when Android Auto is projected. Activation is simple: drivers can say “Hey Google,” tap the microphone icon on the screen, or long-press the voice control button on their steering wheel.
It is important to note that Gemini is currently exclusive to Android Auto and is not available for Apple CarPlay, with no immediate plans for expansion to that platform, as confirmed by Google spokesperson Sofia Giovannello.
This rollout is part of Google’s broader strategy to integrate Gemini across various platforms, including Chrome, Google Maps, and Nest products. Android Auto represents one of the first forays into enhancing the in-car experience with this advanced AI assistant. Future updates are expected to bring Gemini to vehicles with built-in Android operating systems, such as Polestar’s electric sports cars.
Gemini is designed to elevate the capabilities of voice assistants significantly. Users can request specific types of cuisine when searching for restaurants, send messages to friends with estimated arrival times and emojis, check their calendars for upcoming events, create to-do lists, and locate addresses hidden within emails—all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Moreover, Gemini offers the unique ability to engage in casual conversation. Kim highlighted that the assistant can “help you learn something new, brainstorm ideas, rehearse for important moments and much more, all in one continuous conversation.”
However, the introduction of such technology raises questions about driver distraction. Initial research indicates that voice assistants in vehicles may lead to moderate cognitive distraction. While the intent is to minimize the need for drivers to glance at their phones, the effectiveness of these AI assistants in enhancing safety remains to be thoroughly examined. As tech companies race to innovate in the automotive space, further studies will be essential to understand the implications of integrating powerful AI into the driving experience.
