Google is set to revolutionize the driving experience with significant updates to Android Auto, introducing Gemini integration and expanding app categories for in-car entertainment. These changes aim to make driving safer through enhanced voice controls while providing more entertainment options when vehicles are stationary.
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| This image highlights the availability of apps for Android Automotive, crucial for enhancing in-car entertainment |
Gemini Integration Coming to Android Auto
Google is preparing to overhaul Android Auto with Gemini integration, bringing advanced AI capabilities to vehicles. The new hands-free experience will be available for both Android Auto and Google built-in systems, though with some differences in functionality. Gemini will understand natural language commands, allowing drivers to navigate, control media, and get answers to questions without needing to memorize specific phrases. This represents a significant improvement over the current Google Assistant experience in vehicles, with the ability to maintain context across multiple queries and remember user preferences.
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| The integration of Gemini in the Android Automotive platform demonstrates the new hands-free capabilities coming to vehicles |
Two Distinct Experiences Based on Vehicle Compatibility
The Gemini experience will differ slightly depending on whether your vehicle supports Android Auto or has Google built-in. Currently, about 250 million cars work with Android Auto, while only 50 car models feature Google built-in (Android Automotive). Brands with Google built-in support include Chevrolet, Volvo, GMC, Ford, and Honda. While most features will work across both platforms, Google built-in vehicles will have additional capabilities like climate control adjustment via voice commands and integration with car manuals, allowing Gemini to explain dashboard indicators and warnings.
Gemini Live Transforms Commute Time
Perhaps the most impactful feature coming to Android Auto is Gemini Live, which enables conversational interactions during drives. This feature could transform otherwise monotonous commutes into productive time, allowing drivers to prepare for meetings, study for exams, or simply stay alert during long trips through engaging conversation. The natural language capabilities mean drivers can ask follow-up questions and maintain a flowing dialogue without needing to restart the conversation context.
New App Categories: Browsers and Video Players
In a significant expansion of Android Auto's capabilities, Google announced at I/O 2025 that it will allow browser and video applications on the platform. This marks a major shift from Google's previously restrictive approach to Android Auto apps. Video playback will require Android 16 and will only work in select compatible cars, likely with safety restrictions ensuring videos only play when vehicles are parked. These new categories are currently in beta, allowing developers to build and test applications.
Weather Apps and Communication Improvements
Weather apps are officially graduating from beta status, meaning developers can now freely publish weather applications for both Android Auto and Google built-in vehicles. This should lead to a significant increase in weather app availability in the coming months. Additionally, Google is enhancing support for communication apps with new APIs that will display full message histories and upcoming meetings, creating a richer experience for messaging and VoIP applications.
Release Timeline
Android Auto users will receive Gemini integration in the coming months, while the enhanced Google built-in experience is slated to arrive later this year. Quick Share will also come to Google built-in cars later in 2025, enabling seamless content sharing between phones and vehicles. Google is also working with manufacturers to implement safety features like automatically switching video apps to audio-only mode when vehicles are in motion.