Google’s Gemini finally comes to Android Auto: Here’s everything you need to know

Gemini

Google has quietly started rolling out Gemini for Android Auto, marking a big shift in how drivers will interact with their cars.

Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant, but it’s not just a name change. Think of it as an upgraded co-driver, one that understands you better, talks more naturally, and can handle more complex requests. Whether you’re asking for directions, sending a message, or controlling your smart home devices, Gemini is designed to make conversations flow more like real life.

What makes it even cooler is something called Gemini Live. Just say “Let’s talk live,” and your dashboard transforms into an interactive screen where Gemini responds to you in real time. The AI can even translate messages on the go — both the ones you send and the ones you receive — so you can chat across languages without lifting a finger.

Some users, mostly those testing Android Auto beta versions 15.6 and 15.7, have already spotted the update in their cars. Google hasn’t confirmed when it will reach everyone, but it’s safe to say the rollout has officially begun. For now, you’ll still use the familiar “Hey Google” wake phrase, but what answers back is a much smarter, more intuitive assistant.

Gemini also brings a few new privacy and control options. You’ll find settings that let you decide if the AI can share your precise location or interrupt live responses. However, not every Assistant feature has made the jump — for instance, you can’t use nicknames for contacts yet.

Interestingly, this rollout follows another big Gemini upgrade — its integration with Google Maps for conversational navigation and traffic reporting. Taken together, these changes show Google’s bigger plan: to weave Gemini into every part of your digital life, starting with the time you spend behind the wheel.