Android Auto 14 Paves the Way for Gemini AI Integration, Replacing Google Assistant

Android Auto 14 is steering Google Assistant out of the way, with Gemini taking the wheel

Summary Android Auto 14 is now rolling out in its stable release, building on beta features like temperature controls and strongly hinting at the upcoming integration of Google's Gemini AI. Code strings and image assets found within the Android Auto 14 update provide further evidence that Gemini will replace Google Assistant in the car, aligning with Google's broader plans to phase out Assistant. While Gemini isn't yet live in the current stable build, the update reveals how it will look and function, including a new icon and visual cues, indicating a launch may be imminent. Android Auto 14, the latest version of Google's vehicle-centric operating system (OS), began rolling out in beta earlier this month. The build, which highlighted upcoming temperature and defrost controls, seems to be transitioning to a stable release, bringing not only enhanced vehicle system controls, but also the long-awaited Gemini integration. As highlighted by Google in a recent surprise announcement, it intends to completely phase out Google Assistant in favor of Gemini later this year, and proof of that has already started appearing in the new Android Auto build. Related Like it or not, Gemini is officially replacing Google Assistant this year On all surfaces Posts 7 Gemini arriving on Android Auto was a question of when, not if. Hints surrounding the integration were spotted earlier in January this year, and then subsequently earlier this month too. Now, following the rollout of Android Auto 14 in stable, the folks over at 9to5Google have found further proof that alludes to Gemini's arrival -- and that too, much sooner than expected. Code strings within the update highlight Gemini's eventual presence, paired with image files for Gemini (attached below). Essentially confirming that Google Assistant will be replaced, one string reads "Gemini is now the personal AI assistant in your car." Other connected strings, mostly connected to Gemini's Android Auto feedback prompts, read: Gemini is now the personal AI assistant in your car How was the message summary content? How satisfied were you with Gemini in Android Auto today? What was your primary goal for using voice interaction in Android Auto today? Select the task that had the biggest impact on your satisfaction. How was your Gemini experience? Source: 9to5Google For what it's worth, Gemini still isn't live with the latest stable build, but we know what the integration will look like once live. Similar to its mobile app implementation, Gemini and Gemini Live on Android Auto will surface with a blue and purple hue at the bottom edge to indicate that the AI assistant is listening or speaking. Additionally, Gemini's shortcut icon will be displayed on your in-vehicle display's bottom right corner, taking up the Google Assistant shortcut spot we've familiarized over the years. Tapping the icon would then surface the Gemini Live icon. Related Gemini might be gearing up for an Android Auto takeover Web → Phones → Tablets → Earbuds → Cars? Posts 1

Android Auto 14.0 is rolling out now - and it'll soon swap Google Assistant for the smarter Gemini

Google is now pushing out Android Auto 14.0 to phones, and while the update doesn't feature anything major in terms of the user-facing interface, it does prepare the way for a big change further down the line: replacing Google Assistant with Gemini. As spotted by 9to5Google, there are hidden references in the code for the latest Android Auto app that mention Gemini and Gemini Live, suggesting you'll soon be able to talk to Google's more modern AI model from your vehicle. There are text strings here too, telling you that "Gemini is now the personal AI assistant in your car" and asking for feedback on the "Gemini experience" - clear signs that the switch is coming sooner rather than later. We also get a mention of "message summary content", so it sounds as though Gemini might be able to summarize your messages as they come in, so you can keep your eyes on the road. Let's hope Google can make sure those summaries are accurate, and sensitive to bad news. None of this is any surprise of course. Google has been pushing Gemini as a Google Assistant replacement for a while now, and earlier this month announced that Google Assistant would be retired this year as far as smartphones go. Getting other devices on Gemini - smart speakers, wearables, car dashboards - is going to take longer. Gemini is more demanding than Google Assistant in terms of the processing power and memory it needs, so older devices may miss out. In terms of timescales, a lot of this is still up in the air. Google, understandably, doesn't want to commit to a schedule - but it would seem Android Auto (which is just an extension of Android, after all) is next in line for a Gemini upgrade. Google Assistant had a good run, first appearing in 2016, but Gemini is now the future. You may have already noticed certain minor features being removed from Google Assistant on smart devices as Google prepares to discontinue its development.

With Google Gemini, Android Auto could make your drive safer, more enjoyable

Google is in the process of rolling out Android Auto 14.0 to the public. While the update doesn't include any new features, it suggests a significant change is coming. As 9to5Google explains, the update hints that Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant in Android Auto. Behind the scenes, there are also image assets for Gemini and Gemini Live. Recommended Videos Gemini, launched on mobile in early 2024, is among the market's most popular and rapidly growing AI assistants. It assists users in streamlining tasks, studying, refining work, writing emails, and much more. Please enable Javascript to view this content What can Gemini offer to drivers? Although nothing has been officially confirmed, there are several ways an assistant like Gemini could be helpful, and this starts and ends with Gemini Live. With Gemini Live, you can have more natural and content-aware voice interactions. As I mentioned months ago, Gemini Live stands out, allowing for a back-and-forth conversation that resembles communication between two humans. And because of its impressive reasoning capabilities, Gemini Live can answer more complex questions. For example, imagine asking Gemini to "find a restaurant with meatless options, rated over 3.5 stars, and located on my route." Then, have Gemini Live read the most recent reviews about any restaurant. Consider how helpful it would be for Gemini Live to inform you about any traffic problems ahead that could impact your drive, including how much extra time those issues might add to your route. While you can already access this information through Google Maps, in this case, the assistant would automatically provide updates about what's happening on the ground. With Gemini, the voice assistant has the potential to learn your driving preferences, habits, and past interactions to offer personalized recommendations and assistance. For instance, if it knows you typically get coffee in the morning, it could prompt you to navigate to your usual coffee shop when you enter the car. Other possible ways Gemini could improve your auto experience are by better managing your in-car entertainment system, helping you plan your work day ahead by drafting task lists and scheduling appointments, and much more. It will be interesting to see what Google has in store for Gemini on Android Auto and how quickly new features will be added. Hopefully, we'll hear more about Google's plans for the car soon.