- Cars with Android Automotive have been updated with Google Gemini.
- The AI-powered assistant can hold natural conversations, and that’s just the start.
- Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC models built from 2022 are being updated.
For years, the voice assistants used in cars were usually clunky, annoying to use, and failed to understand even the most basic of functions. Now, with the rise of artificial intelligence, things have changed dramatically, and owners of select GM, Polestar, and Volvo models will be among the first to benefit.
GM has announced that it will soon start rolling out Google Gemini to roughly 4 million vehicles in the US using the Android Automotive-based operating system, known officially as ‘Google built-in.’ This includes 2022 and newer Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles, and replaces the old Google Assistant, which is far more advanced.
Read: Volvo’s Giving Millions Of Older Cars A New Brain Without Touching The Hardware
Rather than using basic commands, it’s possible to converse with Gemini more naturally, enabling back-and-forth. You can ask Gemini to create a road trip playlist on the fly, pull up reviews for restaurants you’re interested in visiting, or even to brainstorm ideas for a family holiday, or to prep for an important conversation with your boss about a promotion.
Volvo And Polestars Getting Updated, Too
Google Gemini was added to Android Auto smartphone mirroring last year, but has taken a few more months to be added natively to vehicles using Google built-in for their onboard infotainment.
Gemini is being added across the full suite of Polestar models sold in the US, and several Volvo models have also received the new AI assistant. These include the C40, EC40, EX40, XC40, S60, V60, XC60, V90, S90, XC90, EX90, ES90, EX30, and EX60.
While I haven’t had the chance to test out Gemini in cars running Android Automotive, I’ve spent plenty of time chatting with it in my own car, using Android Auto from my phone. It’s a vast improvement over similar voice assistants of the past, and can even help you learn a new language while you’re behind the wheel. However, just like having in-depth conversations with a passenger can be distracting, speaking about complex topics with your AI agent can also take your focus off the road, so it’s important to remain vigilant.
