November 24, 2025 Google is rolling out its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant to vehicles equipped with Android Auto, promising a more conversational and capable co-pilot for drivers.
The tech giant announced the global launch this week, confirming that Gemini will replace the standard Google Assistant for users who have already opted into the AI service on their smartphones. The update is being released in 45 languages and will continue to reach users over the coming months.
The integration aims to make voice interactions in the car more natural. Unlike previous voice commands that often required specific phrasing, Gemini is designed to understand casual speech and context.
According to Google’s official announcement, drivers can ask follow-up questions without repeating themselves. For example, a user could ask for a nearby restaurant and then immediately follow up with, “How about one with outdoor seating?” or “What are the reviews like?” without needing to restate the original search.
The update also introduces new capabilities for messaging and entertainment. Drivers can draft and edit text messages using natural language instructions, such as asking the assistant to “add a sorry emoji” or rewrite a message to sound more professional. The system can also summarize long group chats and translate incoming messages.
In a blog post detailing the launch, Google highlighted the system’s ability to handle complex tasks by accessing data from other Google apps.
“Gemini can help you find information that’s in your apps, like checking your calendar for an upcoming appointment or finding the address for a hotel reservation in your Gmail,” the company stated.
Addressing Driver Distraction
As automakers and tech companies race to integrate generative AI into the dashboard, safety experts have raised concerns about the potential for increased cognitive distraction. Critics argue that while hands-free systems reduce visual distraction, complex conversations with an AI could still pull a driver’s mental focus away from the road.
Google maintains that the system is designed specifically to minimize these risks by keeping interactions brief and voice-focused.
“Our automotive products are designed and built on safety principles grounded in government and industry distraction guidelines, as well as our own deep research,” said Greg Fitch, head of safety and user experience for Android for Cars, in a statement to CNET. “We’ve extensively tested Gemini’s impact on the driving experience, both in the lab and on the road.”
To access the new features, users must first download the Gemini app on their Android smartphone and opt in to replace Google Assistant. Once the update is available for their specific vehicle and region, a notification will appear on the car’s infotainment screen.
