Android Auto: More Gemini AI and immersive navigation are coming
With an update, Google is bringing more AI through Gemini Intelligence, a new Material 3 design, and immersive 3D navigation to Android Auto and Automotive.
Android Auto and Automotive receive innovations.
(Image: Google)
As part of the Android Show: I/O Edition, Google announced many innovations for Android Auto and Android Automotive. After Google announced the switch from Google Assistant to Gemini last year, this year's update brings more AI to the car again, but Google has even more in store.
New look
This year, Android Auto will first receive the Material 3 Expressive look, which Google released for smartphones and Wear OS watches with Android 16 QPR1. This includes new fonts, smoother animations, and new wallpapers.
(Image:Â Google)
In addition, Google has designed Android Auto so that users can personalize it more. The update includes widgets and Google Maps in full-screen mode on the dashboard, among other things. Moreover, Android Auto is finally flexible enough to adapt to any vehicle screen – "whether it's an ultrawide rectangle, a circle, or a unique shape".
(Image:Â Google)
According to Google, the ability to bring shortcuts to favorite contacts, a garage door opener, a weather overview, and much more to the screen is also new.
(Image:Â Google)
Furthermore, the immersive navigation for Google Maps, announced earlier this year announced, is making its way into the car. This allows map material, including buildings, overpasses, and terrain, to be displayed in a 3D view. According to Google, the view highlights important details such as lanes, traffic lights, and stop signs. This is intended to help navigate difficult routes more easily.
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Gemini Intelligence
As Google explains, the new assistant Gemini in Android Auto is now widespread. In the future, the proactive assistant Gemini Intelligence, announced as part of the Android Show, can also be used in the car, provided the smartphone has this function.
For example, you could order dinner while driving, for instance with DoorDash. If you say, "Order my usual fish tacos from DoorDash for pickup, but double the order," the AI can execute the command. The user must finally confirm the order. According to Google, Gemini Intelligence will also be available in Germany, but the company has not yet specified a concrete timeframe.
Entertainment
Google is also introducing new features in the entertainment sector: For vehicles with the appropriate equipment, content can be played in Full HD resolution at 60 fps. According to Google, unspecified models from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Ĺ koda, Tata, and Volvo are included.
Furthermore, videos will not simply be interrupted when exiting parking mode to return to driving mode. Instead, they will seamlessly switch to an audio mode – at least in apps that support background audio. This is certainly not sensible for movies or series, but for video podcasts. Additionally, Android Auto will support spatial audio via Dolby Atmos in supported apps. According to the company, vehicles from BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo are on board.
(Image:Â Google)
Google is also refreshing media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify with new designs. This is intended to make them more user-friendly in the car.
Android Automotive with Google Services
Beyond the Android Auto innovations, some of the aforementioned innovations are also being integrated into Google's infotainment system Android Automotive with Google services. For example, Google is bringing the revised media apps and the seamless transition from video to audio to vehicles with Android Automotive. Additionally, the infotainment system is said to gain access to conference apps like Zoom.
(Image:Â Google)
Google further explains that apps like Gemini and Maps will function even better in vehicles with Google Play integration because they work closely with car manufacturers. This allows for deeper integration into vehicle hardware. Therefore, Gemini will be able to answer questions "that are specific to your actual car – like identifying a mysterious indicator light on the dashboard or letting you know if the TV you’re about to pick up will fit in your trunk."
Furthermore, immersive navigation in Google Maps is said to be more precise in compatible vehicles with the help of live lane guidance. This works entirely within the vehicle and analyzes the road via the vehicle's front camera. Live lane guidance also recognizes which lane you are in and can provide real-time instructions on when to change lanes or exit.
The updates for Android Auto and for vehicles with integrated Google system (Android Automotive) are scheduled for release later this year. (afl)
