Android Auto 14.0 Rolls Out with Sneak Peek at Gemini AI Assistant

Android Auto 14.0 Update Rollout

• Release: Android Auto 14.0 has started rolling out via the stable release track, available through the Play Store.
• Rollout Timeline: It will take several weeks to reach all users.
• User-facing Changes: No immediate user-facing changes are visible, but there are significant behind-the-scenes updates.

Gemini AI Assistant Integration

• Hints of Gemini: The update includes image assets and strings suggesting that Gemini, Google's new personal AI assistant, will replace Google Assistant in Android Auto.
• New Messages: A message in the app states, 'Gemini is now the personal AI assistant in your car,' indicating a complete swap out of Assistant for Gemini.
• Feedback Prompts: New survey and feedback prompts are included to gather user opinions on Gemini’s performance and voice interactions.

Additional Features

• HD Radio Support: The update introduces new 'hd_radio_logo' files, suggesting ongoing work on local media controls.
• Defrosting Controls: Building on previous updates for AC/heating controls, the beta release also included new defrosting controls.
• Google Maps Toggle: A new toggle related to Google Maps was spotted in the beta release.

Context and Future Outlook

• Background: This update comes as Google plans to phase out Google Assistant on smartphones later this year.
• Current Status: Gemini is not live yet, but the experiences are functional when manually enabled.
• Timing Unclear: The exact timing for a wide release of Gemini in Android Auto remains uncertain.