Gemini artificial intelligence models continue to make their way into nearly every Google app and device. It seems that Android Auto is next in line for added AI, as evidenced by the code hiding in the latest Android Auto app for Android.
The code was discovered by Android Authorityand mentions the sparkling icon that accompanies Gemini most places. There is also mention of “kitt” – perhaps a nod to the AI bot built into the car in the 80s TV show Knight Rider.
Other strings, including “Start conversation” and “GeminiLiveAssistantAction,” can also be found in the code. This is further evidence that Gemini will soon be available on every in-car dashboard that works with Android Auto.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this is what Google has planned: Gemini will slowly take over Google Assistant’s duties, or at least work alongside it, across all platforms and in all apps where Google thinks AI could be useful.
A new dashboard assistant
Since Google hasn’t made an official announcement yet, there’s no official timetable for the rollout. But given the speed at which Google has been putting Gemini into its phones, web apps, and everything else, it shouldn’t be long.
If and when it does appear on Android Auto, you’ll be able to interact with Gemini just as you do anywhere else, and get intelligent responses that are personalized to you, on a whole new level than the responses you get from Google Assistant.
It’s not clear, however, what features might be limited to the Google One AI Premium subscription ($20 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 per month). Right now, that’s a requirement to access Gemini Live’s full conversational capabilities, for example.
As always with AI, hallucinations can be a problem: Gemini in Android Auto could refer to Google Maps at certain points to make sure you don’t drive the wrong way on the highway or end up at the wrong destination.