Google has begun to gradually replace Google Assistant with Gemini artificial intelligence in the Android Automotive operating system. The transformation, which the company pointed out at last year’s financial results meeting and introduced at the Google I/O 2025 event, first began to reach users with over-the-air software updates distributed to some Volvo models. Thus, it is aimed to provide a more advanced artificial intelligence-supported voice assistant experience in vehicle manufacturers’ on-board infotainment systems.
Considering that Google has recently accelerated its investments in artificial intelligence, this change is not seen as an unexpected development. Although Google Assistant, which has been the main voice assistant of the Android ecosystem for many years, could perform daily operations, it had certain limitations, especially in making sense of natural speech and interpreting commands given with different expressions. Gemini, on the other hand, aims to offer a more flexible and conversation-oriented interaction with its large language model-based structure.
Gemini makes in-car voice commands more natural
The innovation in question does not benefit from Android Auto, but directly from the Android Automotive platform. Although the two systems have similar names, they have different usage scenarios. While Android Auto is a solution that works by mirroring the smartphone on the vehicle screen, Android Automotive serves as a standalone operating system that is directly integrated into the car’s infotainment system. Volvo, Polestar and some other manufacturers have been using this platform in their vehicles for a long time.
With Google Gemini, drivers are no longer expected to memorize certain phrases. For example, while it was previously necessary to give a clear command such as “Set the air conditioning level to 5”, in the new system it is aimed to correctly understand expressions closer to daily spoken language, such as “Run the air conditioner a little stronger” or “Cool the interior thoroughly”. This approach can make voice control while driving more practical and natural.
Initial user reports indicate that the migration process begins with OTA (Over-the-Air) updates. In particular, Volvo EX30 electric SUV owners report that they received a notification in the system recommending them to switch to Gemini. It is noteworthy that Google does not require this transition. Users can continue to use the existing Google Assistant experience or switch to Gemini if they wish.
The way Gemini works in the vehicle interface doesn’t completely change the existing experience either. The AI works within a small interaction area allocated to it in the user interface and is activated when the activation phrase is spoken. In addition, there is also a button called “Live”. Thanks to this feature, users can have longer and uninterrupted conversations with Gemini without having to say the activation word again with each command. This approach can provide a more fluid use, especially during route planning, information query or various in-vehicle operations.
On the other hand, Google started a similar transformation for the majority of Android Auto users a few months ago. The transition to Android Automotive stands out as one of the new stages of the company’s plan to spread Gemini into different areas of the Android ecosystem.
In addition, “Gemini Intelligence”, which Google plans to announce in the coming period, is among the noteworthy innovations. According to the information provided by the company, this system will first be available on the Google Pixel 10 series and Samsung Galaxy S26 family. Gemini Intelligence will offer more advanced artificial intelligence capabilities that are not only limited to responding to voice commands, but also can perform multi-step tasks on its own in the background and perform transactions between applications and websites. Google has not yet announced when this technology will come to in-car systems. Despite this, the Gemini transition that started in Android Automotive shows that the company will continue to improve the automobile experience with new features focused on artificial intelligence.