Gemini Rolls Out to Android Auto Everywhere, Replacing Google Assistant

Gemini had already been available on Android Auto as an option for some time, and users who have not switched can still do so manually by going to Settings, then Connected devices, then Android Auto, then Manage your digital assistant, then Digital assistants from Google, then Gemini. Once selected, Gemini handles interactions with the car system.

The assistant is designed to hold a conversation rather than require exact phrases, and it keeps context across follow-up questions. Engadget gives the example of asking about places to eat along a route, choosing one, and then asking about parking or reviews without repeating the restaurant's name. Gemini can also summarize a burst of group chat notifications instead of reading each one aloud, draft replies, add an estimated time of arrival and translate messages into more than 40 languages without the driver touching a phone.

Music requests are handled the same way. Rather than naming a song or playlist, a driver can ask for something upbeat or something mellow and Gemini will pull from the user's preferred music service and start playing.

Because the assistant can connect to Gmail, Calendar and note-taking apps, Google says it can also retrieve instructions sent by email about a destination or read back the day's schedule. Engadget notes it can additionally be used for open-ended conversation, brainstorming and rehearsing for interviews while driving.

The rollout affects Android Auto users across regions, and the manual switch remains available for anyone who has not yet been moved to Gemini by default.