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Google has begun to introduce Gemini on Android Auto, which means that its AI assistant is finally coming to car screens. Users who have used it early on say that Gemini has fully replaced Google Assistant and is now capable of voice commands, messaging, and navigation. Its deployment seems to be controlled by the server, and it should be activated in the case of the selected users with the latest Android Auto beta versions. Google has yet to announce the date by which all Android Auto users will get the update.
Google has started making Gemini compatible with Android Auto, the first device to offer its AI assistant in a native format in car mode. The launch began on a low key in the past 24 hours and is showing up randomly to certain users. The activation appears to be connected to the servers of Google, as opposed to a particular update that can be activated when needed manually. Gemini on Android Auto was initially announced in May, and users have been getting impatient, waiting for the replacement of Google Assistant to come into place.
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Gemini Drops Google Assistant in favor of Android Auto.
Early testers indicate that Gemini fully commands all voice interactions on Android Auto after being activated. Whenever the drivers press the steering wheel button or the common “Hey Google” hotword, the system directs the commands to Gemini and not Google Assistant. Google made Gemini more sophisticated compared to Assistant, and understands natural language more, as well as follows the context with more extended conversational commands.
According to users, Gemini can be integrated with other related applications and extensions of other services, such as Google Home, Google Keep, and Google Maps. This allows drivers to do things such as using voice to control smart devices at home, write notes, or change route directions on Maps without using their fingers. The AI guides actions and reactions using conversation prompts as opposed to brief commands using keywords.
By uttering the words, Let’s talk live, drivers are also able to start using Gemini Live, a continuous conversation mode. Once turned on, Android Auto replaces the media widget with a Live panel that provides the assistant with additional room to initiate communication with tasks already in progress. This is said to be easy to use by early users as it enables Gemini to handle follow-up instructions without restarting each command.
Google affirmed that Gemini had the capability of automatically translating outgoing and incoming text messages. The translation is done in the Android Auto messaging interface and does not need to leave the application. Nevertheless, there was one feature that was not transferred between Google Assistant and Gemini. Users are not able to use nicknames to address the contacts anymore, so Gemini requires the complete name in order to send a message or make a call.
New Gemini Controls are visible in Android Auto.
Active Gemini users report that the Android Auto app has a Gemini section in the Settings menu. The new area offers two alternatives: “Interrupt Live responses” and “Share precise location.” The two are defaulted.
The interrupt option allows drivers to interrupt Gemini in-between responses. This maintains the fast response nature of controls that drivers depend on in giving commands when maneuvering through the traffic. Sharing precise location also allows Gemini to access the current GPS position, thereby allowing it to give more accurate directions or react to location-specific requests, like asking it to take alternative routes or find nearby locations.
These controls become apparent once Gemini has been activated. The new menu will not be displayed to the users who are operating Android Auto 15.6 or 15.7 without Gemini. This confirms the assumption that the rollout of Gemini is not associated with the update of the version, but with the server-side enablement of Google.
The recently introduced ones represent the further move of Google not to Google Assistant but to Gemini. Google has, in the past few weeks, replaced various Assistant panels in Android and other important apps. Android Auto conversion takes the auto interface into the strategy, too.
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The next trend is Gemini Arrives as Google Adds AI to Maps.
Android Auto was rolled out one day after Google announced new features of Maps that were run by Gemini. Google also described new AI-based conversational navigation, which allows users to amend their route or ask for travel information using normal language. The company also added traffic reporting, which uses Gemini and landmark-based navigation on Android and iOS. Landmark-based directions take the form of visual indicators, e.g., popular buildings or intersections, as opposed to the traditional turn-by-turn directions.
Google also attached Gemini to Lens in Maps, which allows real-time help with the camera. Users are able to scan the environment and receive contextual information, which is enhanced by AI. These features are more convenient and applicable because Android Auto rollout can now coordinate navigation requests at the car interface, which Gemini can use.
The introduction of Gemini on Android Auto follows the idea by Google to harmonize the user experience of all its platforms. Public events and releases are the channels through which the company has been able to position Gemini as the central assistant in phones, maps, and, currently, the vehicle dashboard.
Rollout is still small and can be offered to Beta users first.
Though the news was met with enthusiasm by the early adopters, Google has not affirmed that it is limited to those users of Android Auto beta who can soon see the Gemini or to ordinary users. Even those using Android Auto 15.6 and 15.7 often complain that Gemini is not displayed, although there are users who can access it. This disproportionate access is an indication that Google is being configured to serve Gemini gradually in regions or accounts.
The people who are allowed access are urged to provide their versions of Android Auto so as to know whether they need version 15.6 or 15.7, or if all is server-based activation. Until recently, the rollout was in force but not extensive.
Google has not yet provided a schedule for when Gemini will be used by all Android Auto users instead of Google Assistant. Although it is obvious that Gemini is the new primary assistant, the Assistant is still active and will be used by those who are still waiting to be updated.
Gemini on Android Auto is a significant change in terms of voice interaction in cars and demonstrates that Google pays attention to the extension of the features of Gemini to all surfaces of its ecosystem. It has already started rolling out, access is gradually growing, and users are eagerly waiting till it is fully rolled out.
