Android Auto Gets Smarter: 15.7 Beta Replaces Assistant with Conversational Gemini

Google has launched the beta for Android Auto 15.7 with expanded widget features and Gemini. The new voice assistant replaces Google Assistant and brings more natural conversations and better navigation to the car.

New widget options for Android Auto

After releasing Android Auto 15.6 at the beginning of the month, Google has now released beta version 15.7, introducing several new features. The most important changes concern expanded widget functions and the integration of Gemini as a voice assistant. A new widget solution for the Android Auto screen now offers three orientation options: top, middle and bottom. Additionally, users can set the height of the widgets between 50 and 100 percent. These customization options allow drivers to more personalize their vehicle interface and prominently place important information, such as Android Sage reported.

Gemini completely replaces Google Assistant

The additional Gemini integration is considered the biggest update of the year for Android Auto users. In the latest version, the AI ​​assistant completely replaces the Google Assistant, but retains support for the familiar “Hey Google” wake word. This is intended to make the transition easier for existing users while providing Gemini’s expanded capabilities. Gemini brings improved speech processing and the ability to have more natural conversations. Users can tell the assistant, for example: “There’s a huge traffic jam at this traffic light.” Gemini automatically understands this and submits a corresponding traffic report in Google Maps. This contextual natural language processing represents a significant advance over the more structured commands that Google Assistant required.

Advanced features

Key improvements to Gemini for Android Auto include Gemini Live support, in addition to better natural language understanding. The AI ​​can automatically translate over 40 languages, find restaurants along the route and even pull information from Gmail.

This integration of various Google services makes Android Auto an even more comprehensive digital assistant in the vehicle. However, early users who already have Gemini in their car report that improvements are still needed because the assistant processes some requests incorrectly.

Gradual introduction of Gemini

However, installing the latest Android Auto beta does not automatically guarantee access to Gemini, as Google uses a server-based rollout that occurs in stages. This approach is typical for Google to gradually test new features and identify potential problems early on. Google had previously announced that it would bring Gemini to Android Auto by the end of the year, without providing further timing details.

Current developments suggest that the company is following this schedule and the final version could potentially be released in the coming weeks. The current beta of Android Auto 15.7 can be downloaded from APK websites. However, users should consider the usual risks. Alternatively, those interested can wait until the new version becomes available via the Google Play Store.