Gemini for Android Automotive is rolling out soon, even if your car isn’t brand new

After releasing for Android Auto, Gemini is replacing the Google Assistant on vehicles with Android Automotive.

Gemini is going to replace Google Assistant on Android Automotive in vehicles that use the operating system. Google says this update will be available for existing vehicles in the coming months, and new cars loaded with Google built-in will use Gemini over the previous digital assistant. Without being specific, Google alludes that most vehicles from 2020 on will get a software update.

Google’s goal is to offer a more streamlined and natural experience for more fluid interactions. Gemini appears with a multi-colored light bar over the display taskbar, and an “Ask Gemini” pill appears above it. Google gives a couple of examples of how the experience should work.

• Find the perfect pit stop: Whether you’re craving a specific food or a scenic spot, just tell Gemini what you’re looking for. For example: “I need to grab lunch, find some highly rated sit-down restaurants along the way. I’m not in a rush, oh, and I’d like to eat outside.” Gemini will reference information from Google Maps to find options, then you can follow up with questions like, “What’s the parking like?” or “Do they have vegetarian options?”
• Know what’s ahead: Relevant, real-time updates about your journey from Google Maps empower you to make informed decisions and drive with confidence.
• Stay on top of your messages: Ask Gemini to summarize your new text messages so you can respond with context and confidence.
• Create the perfect vibe: Ask for what you want on the radio, even if you don’t know the station name or frequency. Or get very specific with your favorite streaming music app, like YouTube Music: “Play upbeat ’70s folk-rock for a mountain drive, but skip the slow ballads.”

Drivers and passengers have the option to enter Gemini Live, similar to the Android experience.

• Learn about your destination: Tell Gemini: “I’m heading to Lake Tahoe. Can you share some history and fun facts?” If the answer inspires another question, interrupt to dive deeper: “Wait, Mark Twain had a connection to the area? Can you tell me that story?”
• Brainstorm activities: Gemini can help you make the most of every outing. Try a prompt like: “I want to go on some hikes while I’m in Tahoe. Can you recommend some good options?” Follow up with, “What are the views like on the Rubicon Trail?

The Android Automotive integration with Gemini extends a little bit deeper with built-in systems. Google says Gemini will have access to vehicle controls and respond to nuanced commands.

• Ask questions about your car: “How should I prepare my car for an automatic car wash?” or “My garage ceiling is low and the trunk is hitting it. How do I program the trunk so it doesn’t open all the way?” You get answers tailored to your specific car model because Gemini draws directly from manufacturer-provided owner’s manuals.
• Get real-time EV insights: Understand your battery status and what it means for your drive. Ask, “What’s my current battery level?” or “What’s my battery on arrival?”
• Make yourself comfortable: Say, “It’s foggy and freezing in here,” and Gemini will understand what you mean and turn up the heat and turn on the defroster.

The available actions vary by vehicle brand and model, Google says. This comes as Google recently announced updates that control more parts of the car.

The Gemini update for Android Automotive will roll out to “eligible users” in the US. They’ll get an option to upgrade to Gemini, though sticking with Google Assistant is possible. It’s unclear how long that will be the case for, but Gemini on Android Auto seems to have a few kinks that need working out.

Google says the feature update will expand to more languages and countries in the “near future.”