Google appears to be preparing to send Gemini AI to cars with an Android Automotive update.
This makes sense, as Android Automotive already uses Google’s Assistant to support much-needed in-vehicle hands-free requests.
Upgrading to Gemini gives you a much richer, more complex and truly useful experience behind the wheel. This seems like it could open up the world of Google to drivers whenever they need it.
And since this is Android Automotive, which is deeply embedded in the car, it will probably also offer wider voice control features, such as being able to adjust the temperature with your voice.
This news later android permissions Dig into the OS code. To be clear, this is the Android Automotive OS built into cars, not to be confused with Android Auto for phones.
The discovered code strings almost certainly show that Google is working to remove Assistant and introduce Gemini for Android Automotive.
There’s one very explicit line in the code: "Speak more naturally and do more with the new Assistant, rebuilt with Google AI.”
There are also other lines such as “Meet Gemini” and “Your AI Assistant for the car.” All of this makes it very clear where Google is going with this update.
There is also an optional "Try Later” button that allows drivers to postpone the transition to Gemini if they wish. This is deeply integrated into the car, so it makes sense not to force the change on everyone right away.
So, expect a phased introduction of this new car update. When that will arrive is less clear.
However, Google is moving towards bringing Gemini to Android Auto. It was already announced that Gemini would be coming to cars earlier this year and that it would soon announce the end of Assistant.