Google’s AI push hits the road
Artificial intelligence is already in your pocket, your home, and maybe even your wrist. Now it’s making a serious push into your car. At this year’s Google I/O developer conference, the company announced that Gemini — its advanced AI chatbot — is being integrated into both Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. That means by the end of 2025, millions of drivers could be chatting with their cars in far more meaningful and useful ways.
Android Auto vs. Android Automotive
First, a quick breakdown: Android Auto is the smartphone-based system that projects a Google-designed interface onto your car’s screen. Android Automotive, on the other hand, is baked right into the car’s software. It powers everything from maps to music using the vehicle’s own hardware and internet connection. Both systems already support voice commands, but they’ve been relatively basic. That’s where Gemini comes in.
Gemini means smarter, more natural conversations
Google says Gemini will make interactions in the car feel far more fluid. Instead of issuing stiff, robotic commands — “Navigate to Starbucks” — you’ll be able to speak naturally and combine multiple tasks. For example: “Text Sarah, I’m on my way, and tell me how long it’ll take to get to the Thai place we went to last month.”
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
Gemini can even remember your preferences. Ask it to always send messages to your friend Carlos in Spanish, and it’ll do so going forward. It can search your email, suggest restaurants, and even play songs based on vague requests like “That Grammy-winning track from 1996.”
Gemini might take the wheel — kind of
Eventually, Gemini will be able to talk to your car, not just you. Google is working with automakers to let Gemini control vehicle settings like seat heaters, cabin temperature, and more. Unlike existing voice assistants that require rigid commands, Gemini will understand flexible language like “I’m cold” instead of “Turn on seat heater.”
Automakers will decide how much control Gemini gets, but Google hopes it’ll eventually be able to answer car-specific questions, too. Need to know your vehicle’s ideal tire pressure? Just ask.
When can you try it?
Google says Gemini will arrive on Android Auto through a software update in the coming months. Cars running Android Automotive will see the rollout by the end of the year, depending on the manufacturer. Just keep in mind that Gemini won’t live inside your car; it’ll send requests to Google’s cloud servers to process your queries. Local, on-board AI is still on the horizon.
Final thoughts
Gemini’s arrival in the car marks a turning point for in-vehicle tech. It’s no longer just about navigation and music; it’s about making your car an active, intelligent part of your daily routine. Whether you’re asking for driving directions, managing communication on the go, or fine-tuning your comfort settings, Gemini aims to streamline the process with conversation that feels more human than robotic.