It really changes the whole experience.
When you’re on a long drive, there are many factors that test your patience, from traffic to road conditions. Add in responding to random text messages you receive, trying to find something to listen to, and navigating new roads, and you’re in overload. Android Auto was designed to make your life easier, giving you easy access to maps, messages, phone calls, and more. One of the best updates to Android Auto in recent years has been the move from Google’s usual Assistant to Gemini, and you don’t even need to search for it in its hidden menu.
Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is much more conversational and capable, so you can have more natural discussions, sort out the discussions you’re having about last night’s movie by asking if that the actor really starred in that other movie you liked, ask him to respond to messages or find the nearest restaurant.
Your AI co-pilot on the road
Cheng Xin/Getty Images
Right now, Gemini is rolling out globally to Android Auto users, replacing Google’s usual Assistant. Gemini has been available as an option for some time, and if you haven’t yet made the switch yourself, you can still do so. You can simply go to Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto > Manage your digital assistant > Google digital assistants > Gemini to make the exchange. This will allow Gemini to manage your interactions with Android Auto.
What sets Gemini apart is how they naturally handle conversations. So instead of memorizing exact phrases, you can talk to it like you would a person, and it even retains context for follow-up questions. So if you want to ask it about places to grab a bite to eat along your route, you can choose the place you like best and then just ask Gemini about parking or reviews without having to say the name of the restaurant, since you’ve probably already forgotten it anyway.
Another very useful way to exploit Gemini is to use it when your group chat explodes. Instead of having it read a dozen notifications out loud, Gemini can summarize all that chaos for you. It can also write replies for you, add your ETA, and even translate messages into over 40 languages. You won’t have to touch your phone even once.
Gemini will also become your own personal DJ. You are no longer limited to requesting songs or playlists by name. Instead, you can be as vague as you want, like asking him to “play something upbeat” or “something soft so you feel like you’re in a music video.” It pulls your favorite music service and starts the song.
Since Gemini can connect to Gmail, Calendar, and your note-taking apps, you can even use it to find instructions you received in an email about where you’re driving, for example, or reread the day’s schedule. You can even use Gemini to continue talking while you’re in the car, having open conversations, brainstorming, rehearsing interviews and much more.
