Android Auto just got a huge free upgrade that makes it smarter than ever

• What can you do with Gemini in Android Auto?
• Gemini can help you keep track of your messages while driving
• Manage your tunes and your emails

Google has been on a roll with Gemini this year. The tech giant has been continuously upgrading Gemini with newer, faster, and more advanced models, while expanding its reach.

Initially, Gemini was limited to our phone screens and computers, but at Google I/O earlier this year, Google revealed plans to bring Gemini to smartwatches, TVs, and cars. Gemini launched on the Galaxy Watch 8 series this summer, making it the first smartwatch to have Gemini built in. Then, Google began rolling out Gemini to Google TVs in September, and its Google TV Streamer received it earlier this month. That left Android Auto as the main Google experience without Gemini, but that has now changed.

Google has announced that Gemini is finally rolling out to Android Auto worldwide. If you have Gemini set as the default assistant on your Android phone instead of the old Google Assistant, you’ll soon see Gemini available while you’re driving with Android Auto, and a tooltip will appear on your car’s infotainment display. Google says the rollout is beginning now and will continue “over the coming months,” so you might need to be patient while waiting for it to appear in your car.

“Gemini will continue to provide the hands-free features you rely on, but goes way further as a truly conversational AI assistant,” Google said in a blog post. “This means instead of having to remember the exact phrase to say what you want, with Gemini you can just speak naturally, have a back and forth conversation and get more complex tasks done.”

What can you do with Gemini in Android Auto?

Hands-free navigation just got easier

As Google highlighted, the main advantage Gemini has over the old Google Assistant in Android Auto is that it’s much more conversational and easier to talk to, which means when you’re asking for its help, you don’t need to sound like a robot yourself while doing it.

Google has shared some examples of how Gemini can assist drivers on the go, and one that I know I’ll find particularly useful in my car is the ability to easily add stops during your drive. So, if you’re on a long road trip and want to stop for food, you can ask Gemini something like, “Hey Google, I need your help. I’m suddenly craving barbecue. Any good spots along my route that are open now, near my destination?” and get directions and guidance directly to the spot.

Additionally, for any spots Gemini recommends, you can ask follow-up questions, such as whether they’re pet-friendly and what the reviews are like, all while keeping your eyes on the road and talking naturally. It’s just like talking to someone in your passenger seat.

Gemini can help you keep track of your messages while driving

Don’t keep your friends on read

Another benefit that Gemini in Android Auto has over the old Google Assistant is the ability to help you manage any incoming messages while driving. For example, if you get a text from a friend asking for an update on when you’ll arrive, you can ask Gemini to message them back saying you’re sorry for being late, and have Gemini add the current ETA from your Maps trip to the message.

Gemini can also translate messages into more than 40 languages, allowing you to send texts to friends or family in various languages, such as from English to French or English to Spanish.

Manage your tunes and your emails

Gemini can help you find the song you want

One of the main things I look forward to when going on a long drive is listening to my favorite songs or podcasts, and Gemini can help with that too.

“Getting the right soundtrack for your drive is now as simple as asking for it,” Google explains. “You don’t need to remember a specific song name or genre to enjoy media on YouTube Music, Spotify, and more.”

You can ask Gemini to find music that matches the vibe you’re feeling, but if you have a specific playlist on your phone, like your road trip playlist on YouTube Music or Spotify, you can also use Gemini to play that. I already know the first song I’ll ask Gemini to play on my next trip is “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. It’s the perfect sing-along song in the car.

Additionally, Gemini can help you stay on top of your email while you’re driving. You can use it to summarize your unread emails or find specific information in them, like the address of the event you’re attending. If you just want to chat with Gemini about ideas or learn fun facts about your area, you can do that too.

Google says Gemini for Android Auto is rolling out globally now, and it should be available to everyone in the “coming months.” To ensure you can use it when it becomes available to you, make sure your phone and Android Auto are up-to-date, and that Gemini is set as your phone’s main voice assistant.