I/O 2025: Google steers Gemini AI into connected cars
Google isn’t taking its foot off the accelerator when it comes to connected cars, unveiling a suite of advancements during I/O 2025. Their stated ambition? To foster “a safe, seamless, and helpful connected driving experience.” With larger displays and more potent processing power becoming the norm in connected cars, opportunities for developers are expanding almost as fast as the tech itself.
Android Auto, Google’s phone-based projection system, has achieved remarkable ubiquity; the company states it is “now supported in nearly all new cars sold, with almost 250 million compatible vehicles on the road.” Alongside this, vehicles powered by Android Automotive OS (AAOS) with Google built-in are gaining serious traction. “Over 50 models are currently available, with more launching this year,” the company says.
Gemini AI: Revolutionizing Connected Cars
The most electrifying news for the in-car space is the arrival of Gemini, Google’s sophisticated AI, into vehicles. The potential here is immense. “This unlocks a new era of safe and helpful interactions on the go,” Google proclaimed. The promise of Gemini lies in its ability to facilitate natural voice conversations and seamless multitasking, empowering drivers to get more done simply by speaking naturally.
Enhancements for Developers
Google isn’t just dropping AI into the dashboard and walking away; they’re also enhancing the toolkit for developers. Building upon the “car app quality tiers” introduced last year, developers are encouraged to aim high. Across both Android Auto and AAOS with Google built-in, the Car App Library has seen some welcome improvements:
- The “Car ready tier” allows for video, gaming, or browser apps to run in parked cars (with Google built-in) with “almost no additional effort.”
- The “Car optimised” and “Car differentiated” tiers offer pathways for those wanting to create apps that function while driving or transition between parked and driving states, making use of the diverse screens available in modern vehicle interiors.
For Android Auto users and developers, a raft of new app categories and capabilities are now entering beta. Developers working with Android Automotive OS (AAOS) connected cars with Google built-in haven’t been forgotten, with improvements to simplify building, testing, and distribution.
Future Updates
Google also signposted exciting updates for connected cars planned for later this year. It’s clear Google is investing heavily in making the car a more integrated, intelligent, and developer-friendly environment. The introduction of Gemini AI, coupled with these extensive new tools and programme enhancements, signals a clear intent by Google to keep Android at the heart of connected cars.
See also: 5GAA demos lifesaving NTN and V2X tech for connected cars
Want to learn about the IoT from industry leaders? Check out IoT Tech Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Cyber Security & Cloud Expo, AI & Big Data Expo, Intelligent Automation Conference, Edge Computing Expo, and Digital Transformation Week. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
ai, android, android auto, android automotive, artificial intelligence, automotive, connected cars, developers, gemini, google, mobility
