Gemini's AI models continue to make their way into nearly every Google app and device, and it looks like Android Auto could be the next to get some additional AI, according to code hidden in the latest Android Auto app for Android.
The code was discovered by Android Authority and mentions the glowing icon that accompanies Gemini in most places. There's also a mention of “kitt,” perhaps a nod to the car-embedded AI robot in the '80s TV show Knight Rider.
Other strings, including “Start conversation” and “GeminiLiveAssistantAction,” can also be found in the code, further proof that Gemini will soon be available on any car dashboard that runs Android Auto.
Of course, it wouldn't be a surprise if this is what Google is planning: Gemini is slowly replacing Google Assistant, or at least working alongside it, across all the platforms and apps where Google thinks AI could be useful.
A new assistant for the dashboard
While there's no official word from Google yet, there's no official timeline for its rollout, but it shouldn't take too long considering the pace at which Google has been incorporating Gemini into its phones, its web apps, and everything else.
If it comes to Android Auto, you'll be able to interact with Gemini the same way you do elsewhere and receive intelligent responses that are personalized to you, on a whole new level from the responses offered by the Google Assistant.
It’s not clear, however, what features might be limited to the Google One AI Premium ($20 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 per month) plan. Right now, that’s a requirement to access Gemini Live’s fully conversational capabilities, for example.
As always with AI, hallucinations will be a potential problem: Gemini on Android Auto could reference Google Maps at certain points to make sure you don't find yourself going the wrong way on a highway or ending up at the wrong destination.
