Gemini AI integration could be coming to Android Auto
Just when we thought Google's Gemini expansion couldn't get any bigger, the artificial intelligence model has been tipped to join the automotive app, Android Auto, thanks to a sneaky bit of code spotted in the latest update. Android Authority says the most obvious "clue" that the AI Assistant is integrating into the app is the sparkle icon — an appearance synonymous with Gemini — materializing on the code. There's also a mention of the "kitt", which has been speculated to be the name of the integration on Android Auto, but there's been no real confirmation.
Potential Gemini Features on Android Auto
Other rows, including "Start conversation" and "GeminiLiveAssistantAction", can also be found in the code. This could point to Gemini's imminent arrival on any car dashboard that's compatible with Android Auto. Google has been replacing Google Assistant with Gemini AI (or working alongside it) in recent months, rolling out the model in every app or device where AI is deemed helpful.
Subscription for Advanced Features
To access the full features of Gemini AI, users need to be on a Google One AI Premium plan, which retails at $20 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 per month. This subscription is necessary to access Gemini Advanced or better-quality images with Imagen 3.
New Android Auto Features
In addition to Gemini AI integration, Google is also reportedly working on new Android Auto features that would allow users to control 'local media' through the app. According to 9to5Google, Google has been working on support to control car radio systems through Android Auto directly. The latest OS update Android Auto 12.7 suggests support for adding and removing “Favorite” stations through an app on Android Auto.
In the latest Android Auto 12.8 beta update, new information has been added about how to access "Car Local Media". Additionally, new icons have been added for both radio and local media playback. Despite these changes not being live yet, Google continues to work on enhancing the functionality of these controls.
