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As an iPhone user, I mostly rely on Siri through CarPlay while driving. Apple’s voice assistant helps me with straightforward jobs like providing navigation, placing calls, sending messages, checking my schedule, setting reminders, and playing music or podcasts. Whenever Siri can’t answer tougher questions, I’ve been switching to ChatGPT.
But since my Toyota Camry also works with Android Auto, I was curious to see how Google Gemini would perform as my driving assistant. With that goal in mind, I started using Gemini with my Android phone whenever I got behind the wheel. I gave it different tasks and questions to see how well it handled them.
Also: Is your phone overheating with Android Auto? Here are 8 tips to prevent it
With Google’s AI, you can compose emails and messages, request music recommendations, look up details about nearby restaurants and shops through Google Maps, create reminders, ask anything that comes to mind, play games, listen to stories, and more.
So how did Gemini do for me? Keep reading to find out. And here’s how I’ve been using Gemini—and how you can too.
How to set up and run Gemini in your car
What you’ll need: To use Gemini via Android Auto, you’ll need an Android smartphone and a car with Android Auto support. Visit Google’s “Find your ride with Android Auto” page to check if your vehicle’s infotainment system is compatible.
Once you have the right phone and car, here’s how to get started.
The setup differs slightly on Samsung devices. Go to Settings, then Apps, and choose the option for default apps. Tap Digital Assistant app, and ensure Google is selected.
If not, tap the entry on the next screen and switch it to Google. To verify Gemini is now your default assistant, press and hold the power button. A notification should appear confirming Gemini is your new AI helper from Google.
To use Gemini hands-free in your car, open the Gemini app on your phone, tap your profile picture, and go to Settings. Select the option for hands-on-free access, then toggle on “Hey Google.” Tap Turn on, followed by Done.
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Next, link your Android phone to your car. This can be done using a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth. For wired connections, your phone needs Android 9 or later; for wireless, Android 11 or later is required.
After pairing, return to Android Auto settings on your phone and tap “Connect a vehicle.” If you’re using USB, the connection happens automatically. For wireless, select “Connect with wireless Android Auto,” then choose to connect via Bluetooth.
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On your car’s display, navigate to Settings, pick “Bluetooth and devices,” tap Add device, then tap Search. Choose your phone’s name once it appears. A matching pairing code will show on both your phone and the car screen. Confirm it on both ends.
When prompted on the car screen, tap Yes to enable Android Auto. The Android Auto interface should now appear.
Gemini is still being rolled out as a voice assistant for Android Auto, so not everyone has access yet. While driving with Android Auto active, simply ask: “Hey Google, are you using Gemini?” If the assistant doesn’t recognize the question, you’re still on the older Google Assistant. But if it confirms it’s using Gemini, you’re all set.
Also: My top 4 Android Auto settings are incredibly handy—but they’re hidden by default
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You’re now ready to try out Gemini. Just say “Hey Google” and give it a command. Below are some of the tasks I assigned and how Gemini responded.
To begin with, I had a craving for one of my favorite dishes — sushi. I asked Gemini to locate some nearby Japanese sushi restaurants. The AI generated a list of local options. One restaurant caught my attention, so I requested additional details about it. Gemini then inquired if I wanted to visit the restaurant, at which point it provided driving directions through Google Maps.
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While driving, I needed to get in touch with someone but preferred not to deal with making a phone call. Instead, I instructed Gemini to send that person a text message. The AI prompted me for the message content, which I provided. The text was successfully sent off.
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As a devoted Spider-Man enthusiast, I was eager to watch the new “Spider-Noir” series on Amazon Prime and wanted to know how it was initially received. I asked Gemini to gather the most recent reviews of the show. The AI delivered a broad summary and read several specific reviews aloud for me.
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To make the drive more enjoyable, I usually listen to music or podcasts. However, occasionally I prefer something more engaging. In this case, I asked Gemini to play a game. The AI launched a trivia game focused on US history. Initially, the questions were too easy. But when I asked Gemini to increase the difficulty, it delivered exactly what I wanted.
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Lastly, having a meaningful conversation is another excellent way to stay entertained on a long drive. Here, I asked Gemini to initiate an engaging discussion. It revisited the topic of Mr. Giggles speaking, and we chatted about what he might say regarding his favorite foods, his least favorite household item (the robot vacuum), and various other things around the house.
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Ultimately, I appreciated the simplicity and efficiency of interacting with Gemini while driving. When compared to using both Siri and ChatGPT on my iPhone, Gemini functions as a more comprehensive solution, assisting me with everything from simple commands to more intricate, interactive activities. Going forward, I’ll make sure to bring my Android phone along on every drive so I can turn to Gemini whenever the need arises.
