Assembly Assembly / Android Authority
Tl; DR
- Android Auto should obtain the integration of gemini as part of Google’s push to bring AI to its ecosystem.
- We tested how Gemini will work as a default assistant on Android Auto.
- While Gemini provided conversational answers to the questions, he failed to provide practical and specific advice to the location.
Google was on a mission to forge Gemini in as many its products as possible. The AI chatbot already replaces Google Assistant on Android phones, integration with Google TV is on the way, and now, Android Auto is following to obtain its dose of Gemini.
In January, we were able to activate the Gemini user interface in Android Auto, but at the time, it was just that – a user interface. The assistant did not really answer any questions. Quick advance until today, and we were finally able to see the Gemini not only appear on the Android Auto interface, but also respond to our requests.
So how does it work well? It depends. We asked Gemini to plan a trip in a specific budget, but the answer was somewhat generic and did not offer any really useful and friendly suggestions. It did not take into account our location in real time or suggested the most practical travel options depending on the distance. A more intuitive response could have been something like: “Since you are at X miles away, taking a train would be the best option” or “returning yourself is the fastest choice”.
Similarly, when he is responsible for listing the food places nearby, Gemini has delivered a long list of options but did not display them on a map, which would have made information much more useful. However, he managed routine tasks like playing Spotify music with ease, presenting his ability to resume traditional tasks of Google Assistant.
Where Gemini really shines is in his conversation capacities. Asked about the weather or a benchmark like the Taj Mahal, the AI provided detailed and engaging responses which went beyond the shorter and more factual responses than Google Assistant generally offers.
It should be noted that in our demo, the Gemini worked on an Android phone simulating a car dashboard rather than on the head unit of a real vehicle. This means that certain characteristics can behave differently once Gemini is officially taking place on cars. However, the test always gives a solid overview of what to expect.
For the moment, Gemini on Android Auto does not appear for everyone, but given the push of Google to integrate it through its ecosystem, it is only a matter of time before starting to appear in car dashboards everywhere.
