- Google is giving Android Auto its biggest redesign yet
- Widgets, immersive 3D Google Maps navigation and videos are coming
- Gemini AI is being deeply integrated into integrated cars from Android Auto and Google
Google has announced major updates to its Android Auto product, with the company saying the next generation of the software features a “stunning new experience, premium entertainment, and a more useful Gemini.”
In addition to this, Google has been working together with most of the major car manufacturers to improve the proposition of the more than 100 models from 16 brands that feature an infotainment system running the Android Automotive operating system.
The most obvious update is the redesign itself. Android Auto is adopting Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, bringing sleeker animations, bolder typography, and more customization options to the dashboard.
Widgets are also coming that allow drivers to pin key information directly to the home screen. Think weather updates, most used contacts, and even smart home shortcuts like garage door controls.
But the biggest visual leap is the new “Immersive Navigation” mode of Google Maps. Google describes it as the biggest update to Maps in more than a decade, adding sleek, detailed 3D images for roads, buildings and terrain, along with improved lane guidance, traffic light indicators and stop sign overlays.
For drivers using increasingly larger infotainment screens, especially in modern electric vehicles, this could make navigation much clearer and more intuitive.
Dolby Atmos comes to the board
After a long wait, video playback is finally coming to Android Auto, allowing parked drivers to stream apps like YouTube in Full HD at 60fps directly to compatible car screens.
Brands supported at launch include BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda and Volvo.
Crucially, Google says that playback won’t simply cut out once you start driving. Instead, compatible apps, such as Spotify and other Pod-catchers, can switch from video mode to audio-only mode, ideal for podcasts and long-form YouTube content.
The audio is also getting an upgrade, with support for Dolby Atmos spatial sound coming to compatible vehicles and apps.
Combined with the increasingly impressive speaker systems of premium and luxury electric vehicles, this could turn charging stops into true cinematic experiences.
Gemini gets a big boost
Gemini is already rolling out more widely on Android Auto, but later this year, users with Gemini Intelligence-enabled phones will get deeper contextual features.
The idea is to make your car assistant proactive rather than reactive.
Google’s example includes Gemini automatically understanding a friend’s text message asking for an address, finding the relevant information in your emails, messages or calendar, and then suggesting a response with a single tap.
The system will even handle food orders while you drive. Google showed that users were asking Gemini to reorder meals through DoorDash, with pickup ready upon arrival.
What’s more, those vehicles with Google integrated will enjoy deeper integration between Gemini and the vehicle itself, with the AI assistant able to access vehicle information.
Ultimately, it means you can ask Gemini questions about the car, such as what a warning light might mean or, as Google demonstrated, whether something fits in the boot.
Google Maps will also be able to access the vehicle’s front cameras (if equipped), to better understand the lane position and then provide appropriate guidance in real time.
The software giant has not given a specific date for the arrival of these updates, simply stating that they will arrive in your car “throughout the year.”
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