Google has begun the gradual rollout of its Gemini AI assistant as a replacement for Google Assistant in Android Auto. This is a change that the company announced last year and demonstrated at the Google I/O 2025 conference.
As reported by ArenaEV, the introduction has already started via OTA upgrades on certain Volvo models, such as the electric EX30, and other cars will soon receive it. Once the upgrade arrives, users will be presented with a notification allowing them to switch to Gemini, but this decision is optional, meaning they can continue to use their current assistant if they prefer it for some reason.
Unlike Google Assistant, which relies on predefined voice commands, Gemini should allow users to communicate much more naturally. So, for example, instead of a command like “set the climate to level 5“, it will be enough to say something like “turn up my air conditioning all the way“, and the system should, at least in theory, understand the user’s intent.
It is emphasized that Gemini does not take over the entire user interface of Android Auto, but is displayed in a separate floating window that is activated by a voice command. In addition, the Live option is available, which allows you to have longer conversations with artificial intelligence without the need to repeat the activation word.