Casual Chatatting Instead of Precise Instructions
Artificial intelligence is becoming unavoidable, even in cars. Google is gradually equipping Android Auto with Gemini, the AI assistant that will also replace the traditional Google Assistant in the car.
Google Assistant is the name of the virtual ‘assistant’ that Google currently uses for voice-controlled functions. Android Auto, which handles the connection between your phone and your car, also allows you to use Google Assistant to give all sorts of commands, such as calling a specific person or setting a new destination. Google Assistant is now being replaced by Gemini, Google’s AI tool.
This has more consequences than just a new icon on your screen, because Gemini can naturally interpret much better than the Assistant. Where that ‘old’ system relied on fixed, pre-learned phrases, Gemini should allow you to talk as you would to a human. Describing a goal loosely, or what you want to say (for example, in a text message), should be sufficient. Google will roll out Gemini in Android Auto over the coming months, followed by cars with Google’s own Android Automotive system. This is an infotainment system from Android, as you can find in Volvos and Renaults. Gemini was actually announced earlier for that variant.
There has been more news in the field of phone projection in cars recently, as Apple CarPlay is undergoing an even greater metamorphosis.