Gemini will replace Google Assistant in Android Auto, the smartphone display technology built into millions of cars, trucks and SUVs. Google announced the move on Thursday, noting that Gemini will begin rolling out to Android Auto users who have upgraded from Google Assistant to Gemini on their phone.
By bringing Gemini to Android Auto, Google enables users to speak naturally and have a back-and-forth conversation to complete more complex tasks on the go, according to the company. Android Auto is an application that runs on a user’s phone and communicates wirelessly and projects functions such as navigation, music and messaging from an Android-based smartphone onto the car’s display.
The move comes as no surprise, as the change is part of Google’s plans to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across all its devices and platforms. The company announced in May that Gemini would be coming to Android Auto this year.
With Gemini, users can ask questions about businesses along their route to find something specific. For example, users could ask something like, “Hey Google, I need your help. I’m suddenly craving a barbecue. Are there any good spots on my route that are open now, near my destination?” If a place looks interesting, Gemini can offer more information about the place, such as details about the restaurant’s most popular dish or whether the property is dog-friendly.
Users can also reply to messages with Gemini and receive text summaries. For example, you can ask Gemini to let your friend know you’re stuck in traffic and add your ETA to the message. Alternatively, you can ask Gemini to translate a message into a different language before sending it.
Gemini also allows users to access their Gmail emails while driving. For example, a user could ask something like, “I’ve booked a hotel for tonight. I think the address is in my email. Can you check and navigate there?” Gemini can also give you a summary of your unread emails.
Google notes that Gemini can help people get the right soundtrack for a ride by asking it to create a playlist with specific instructions like: “Can you give me a travel playlist? Ideally something upbeat, about 3 hours long, that’s good for both me and the kids.” This works with streaming services like YouTube Music, Spotify and more.
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Additionally, Google says users will be able to go live with Gemini to chat about anything by saying “Hey Google, let’s chat.” From there, you can collect ideas or learn something new.
For example, you could say, “Okay, I’m driving to St. Louis for a wedding. Can you be my tour guide and share some fun facts about it?” And then follow up with further instructions: “Thanks for teaching me all about St. Louis. Changing subjects, the rehearsal dinner is at his parents’ house and I’d like to get them a small one. What are some good ideas?”
Gemini starts rolling out on Android Auto globally from Thursday in 45 languages.
To access it, you need to make sure you are using the Gemini app on your phone. You’ll see a tooltip on your car’s display once it’s available to you. To use it, you have to say “Hey, Google” and then press the microphone button on your car’s display or press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel.
