Gemini Replaces Assistant on Android Auto

Google is quietly introducing its Gemini generative AI to Android Auto, positioning it as the successor to Google Assistant for in‑vehicle interactions. Users who have recently updated to Android Auto version 15.6 or 15.7 and are enrolled in the beta program are reporting a new Gemini prompt when they launch the voice assistant. The change arrives without an official press release; instead, Google appears to be pushing the update from its servers to a limited audience.

How the Update Works

When the Gemini rollout reaches a device, the next launch of the voice assistant on Android Auto displays a brief introduction screen for Gemini. After the intro, drivers can engage with the AI just as they would in the mobile Gemini app or on the web, benefiting from a more natural, conversational experience.

Features and Capabilities

Gemini on Android Auto brings several enhancements:

• Full conversational AI that supports follow‑up questions and interruptions via Gemini Live.
• Integration with a range of Google apps, including Google Home and Google Keep, enabling tasks such as creating a grocery list in Keep and then asking for directions to the store.
• Improved map interactions, building on a recent Gemini upgrade to Google Maps, allowing drivers to ask place‑specific questions, report traffic incidents, and receive more precise routing instructions.

Early User Feedback

Initial reports are largely positive, noting the seamless transition from Assistant to Gemini and the richer dialogue capabilities. However, some users have observed that contact nicknames do not function as they did under Assistant, suggesting that certain legacy features may be missing or need refinement.

What’s Next?

Google has not disclosed a timeline for a broader rollout, and the update remains tied to the beta version of Android Auto. As more users gain access, further refinements are expected, especially around feature parity with the older Assistant experience. The integration of Gemini with Google Maps hints at a broader strategy to embed AI across the entire Android Auto ecosystem, potentially reshaping how drivers interact with navigation, entertainment, and productivity tools while on the road.

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