Google’s advanced AI, Gemini, has started showing up on Android Auto for a small number of users. This shift replaces the familiar Google Assistant with Gemini’s newer, more intelligent interface inside the car. Some users are beginning to notice the updated Gemini logo and light bar animation when they activate voice commands while driving. The rollout seems limited so far and is happening through a server-side update, mostly affecting users who are running the latest beta versions of the Google app.
Key Takeaways
- Google Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on Android Auto for some users.
- The update appears connected to recent beta releases of the Google app.
- It’s a server-side rollout, so not everyone will see it right away.
- Users are spotting the new Gemini logo and interface in place of the older Assistant.
When active, Gemini on Android Auto handles all the usual voice tasks, setting up navigation with Google Maps, making calls, or sending texts. But it also introduces more advanced AI features to the driving experience. For instance, you can ask Gemini to summarize a long text message or email, create a more detailed reply, or answer complicated questions that might have stumped the previous Assistant. The interface also looks different, switching from the familiar multicolored dots to Gemini’s dynamic light bar that glows along the bottom of the screen.
Since the rollout is still in its early stages, user reactions have been mixed. Some drivers on forums and Reddit have shared screenshots of the new interface and early impressions. A few people seem impressed by Gemini’s expanded abilities, while others say it feels a bit slower when handling quick, simple commands like “Call Mom.” There are also reports of Gemini responding with on-screen text answers, which isn’t ideal for driving situations where you can’t look at the display. This early feedback suggests that Google is still fine-tuning Gemini’s performance for the car, especially when it comes to speed and responsiveness.
There’s no manual way to turn on the feature at the moment. The update is entirely controlled by Google and distributed from its servers. Most sightings so far come from users running the Google app beta, version 15.45 or newer. Even then, not everyone with that version has received it, which indicates that Google is rolling it out gradually to a small test group. It’s another step in Google’s broader effort to transition from Google Assistant to Gemini across its entire product ecosystem, from phones to smart home devices, and now, into cars.
Drivers using Android Auto should expect to see this change appear over the coming weeks or months. As Google gathers feedback from these early users, it will likely tweak Gemini’s behavior to improve speed, usability, and how it delivers information while driving. For now, it’s an early glimpse of what the next generation of in-car AI might look like, and it’s only just beginning to roll out to a limited number of people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I get Gemini on Android Auto?
A. You cannot manually download or activate Gemini on Android Auto. It is a server-side update that Google is pushing to a small number of users, primarily those in the Google app beta program.
Q. Does Gemini replace Google Assistant on Android Auto?
A. Yes. For users who receive the update, the Gemini interface and AI replace the classic Google Assistant for all voice commands in the car.
Q. What can Gemini do in my car?
A. Gemini can perform all the standard Google Assistant tasks, such as navigation, calling, and texting. It can also handle more complex tasks, like summarizing texts, composing detailed messages, and answering complex general knowledge questions.
Q. Why don’t I have Gemini on Android Auto yet?
A. The feature is in a very limited test phase. Google has not released it to the general public. Only a small percentage of users, mostly on the beta channel, have access right now.
Q. Is Gemini on Android Auto better than Google Assistant?
A. Early user feedback is mixed. While Gemini is more powerful for complex questions, some users report it is currently slower than Google Assistant for simple driving commands. It is expected to improve as Google collects more data.
