Google is rolling out its Gemini AI assistant to all Android Auto users, replacing the standard Google Assistant as the default way to interact with the in-car system. The update aims to make long drives more manageable by offering a more natural, conversational assistant capable of handling navigation queries, messages, calls and entertainment without requiring drivers to memorise specific commands or take their hands off the wheel.

Gemini has actually been available as an opt-in option for some time, and users who haven't already switched can do so via Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto > Manage your digital assistant > Digital assistants from Google > Gemini. Key capabilities include holding conversational context across follow-up questions (such as asking about parking without repeating a restaurant's name), summarising busy group chats and drafting replies, translating messages into over 40 languages, and playing music based on vague mood descriptions rather than specific song names. It can also pull information from connected apps like Gmail and Calendar to retrieve directions or schedules, and can even hold open-ended conversations to help pass the time on long journeys.