- Google gives Android Auto its biggest overhaul yet
- Widgets, immersive 3D navigation on Google Maps and video are all coming
- Gemini AI is increasingly integrated into Android Auto and Google integrated cars
Google has announced major upgrades to its Android Auto product, with the company saying the next generation of the software delivers a “stunning new experience, premium entertainment, and a more useful Gemini.”
On top of that, Google has worked alongside most major automakers to improve the proposition on more than 100 models from 16 brands with an infotainment system running the Android Automotive operating system.
The most obvious upgrade is the redesign itself. Android Auto adopts Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, bringing smoother animations, bolder typography, and more customization options to the dashboard.
Widgets are also appearing, allowing 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 advancement is Google Maps’ new “Immersive Navigation” mode. Google describes it as the biggest upgrade to Maps in more than a decade, adding sleek, detailed 3D visuals for roads, buildings and terrain, as well as improved lane guidance, traffic light indicators and stop sign overlays.
For drivers using increasingly massive infotainment screens – especially in modern electric vehicles – this could make navigation considerably clearer and intuitive.
Dolby Atmos comes to the dashboard
After a long wait, video playback is finally coming to Android Auto, which allows parked motorists to stream apps like YouTube in Full HD at 60fps directly to compatible car screens.
Supported brands at launch include BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda and Volvo.
Importantly, Google claims that playback won’t simply stop once you start driving. Instead, supported apps, such as Spotify and other Pod-catchers, can switch from video to audio-only mode, ideal for podcasts and long-form YouTube content.
Audio is also getting an upgrade, with support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio coming to compatible vehicles and apps.
Combined with increasingly impressive speaker systems in high-end electric vehicles and luxury vehicles, this could turn charging stops into true cinema-style experiences.
Gemini gets a big boost
Gemini is already rolling out more widely on Android Auto, but later this year users of Gemini Intelligence-enabled phones will benefit from deeper context-aware features.
The idea is to make your car assistant proactive rather than reactive.
Google’s example includes Gemini automatically understanding text from a friend asking for an address, finding the relevant information in your emails, messages, or calendar, and then suggesting a response with a single click.
The system will even handle food orders while driving. Google showed users asking Gemini to rearrange their meals through DoorDash, with pickup ready upon arrival.
Additionally, Google-equipped vehicles will benefit from deeper integration between Gemini and the vehicle itself, with the AI assistant able to access vehicle information.
Ultimately, this means you can ask Gemini questions about the car, like what a warning light means or, as Google demonstrated, if anything will fit in the trunk.
Google Maps will also be able to use the vehicle’s front cameras (if equipped) in order to better understand the position of the lane and then be able to provide appropriate guidance in real time.
The software giant hasn’t given a specific date for when these upgrades will arrive, only saying that they will come to your car “throughout the year.”
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