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My first thought after demoing the upcoming Android Auto features at Google I/O this week was the dread of going back to my own car, innocently parked on the other side of the country.
I've been an Android Auto user for years now, and while I'd like to think that I'm one of the more fortunate drivers who's experienced only a few connectivity problems, the AI takeover across all of life's consumer tech products has given me hope for something greater.
Also: Everything we saw at Google I/O: Gemini 3.5, Android XR glasses, Spark, and more
A YouTube video player on the dashboard isn't that, to be clear, but many of the other new Android Auto additions, like self-generated widgets and immersive navigation, should make a big difference to my driving experience. Here are my first impressions of the latest features, set to launch later this year.
A more contextual appearance
It's one thing to hear Google explain all the Material 3 Expressive changes that decorate the upcoming Android Auto interface, but it's another to actually sit in a car with the software running.
Case in point: seeing Google Maps, the new three-panel layout with smart home controls, and a video player that automatically minimizes to audio-only on a Volvo EX60 spoiled me. You can even stack your own prompt-generated widgets for a tailored experience. For my demo, a Google employee created a weather widget that clearly indicates whether the weather is suitable for running and biking.
I'm more of a “summarize the traffic for my commute this morning and find a local bakery for a quick bite” kind of guy, but that's the beauty of custom widgets. Here's to hoping they can meet our creative demands.
Also: 6 Android Auto apps I wish I found sooner, because they make every drive easier
Notably, elements on the screen fit and flow more seamlessly, with round-edged designs and color theming that make the car interface feel more like an Android tablet and less like a split-screen of random apps.
I'm a bigger fan of the new immersive navigation in Google Maps, which more accurately portrays buildings, stadiums, hills, and other terrain features, giving drivers and passengers a clearer sense of the path ahead.
I'd find this particularly helpful, as there are several overpasses and tunnels throughout New York City, and it can often be a struggle to find the right lane for certain turns. Don't judge.
The next stage of Gemini on Android Auto
I'm a big believer in integrating AI with hands-free operating systems, such as Android Auto, Google TV, and Android XR. An assistant is most effective when you simply don't have the bandwidth (and concentration) to handle tasks, whether that's typing in your next destination, scouting the area, or responding to a notification.
Also: Android Auto runs faster and smoother now thanks to my 4 easy tweaks
That's why having Gemini on board is a big deal. With cars that support Android Automotive (the built-in software), such as the Volvo EX60 I was in, you can now ask Gemini to make vehicle-specific adjustments, such as darkening the sunroof or changing the ambient light colors.
This all depends on how well the car manufacturer optimizes its parts for Android Automotive, of course, so mileage may vary across makes and models.
You can prompt Gemini to order delivery on DoorDash and track the progress on your phone.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
In a more extreme instance, you can ask Gemini to tap into the car's surrounding cameras to handle multimodal queries, such as identifying surrounding buildings and landmarks. For my demo, Gemini properly identified the Transamerica Pyramid ahead, and even spit out some fun facts — because Gemini loves to talk.
On a related note, there was a very subtle but important detail during my simulated car ride: Gemini's navigation prompts were much more comprehensible than I was used to. For example, the voice assistant offered directions as “turn left at the intersection” rather than “turn left after 0.2 miles.” One of those is clearly easier to understand when driving than the other.
Bottom line
Google says the next big Android Auto update, with most, if not all, of the recently announced features, should roll out in waves later this year. While I'm not going to hold my breath for the update to reach my Mazda any time soon — the Assistant-to-Gemini transition hasn't necessarily been the smoothest — my first look demo at I/O showed enough promise to keep my eyes open.
