Pixel users are getting a major Android Auto update – and it rivals Siri AI

ZDNET’s key takeaways

- Google announced that more phones will receive Gemini Intelligence.

- Motorola, Samsung, and Google smartphones have intelligent AI features.

- Gemini Intelligence in Android Auto is reserved for certain Pixel phones.

Gemini Intelligence is spreading beyond the Google Pixel 11 lineup to the Pixel 10, the upcoming Motorola Signature 27, and several of Samsung’s Galaxy foldables and flagship phones.

Though Google often offers its most upgraded features to other Android phone manufacturers, there are some features that are Pixel-exclusive or come to Pixel users first. This time, Gemini Intelligence is coming to Android Auto, but only for eligible Pixel users.

Also: I’m an Android Auto ride or die – but Apple CarPlay beats it on these 3 features

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Google’s blog post states that Pixel users with Gemini Intelligence can expect it to gather information from their apps and surface it to their car’s infotainment screen. Google’s example is that if a friend texts you asking where you’re meeting for Pilates, Gemini Intelligence can find the correct confirmation email and offer to send it with one tap.

What I’d use Gemini Intelligence to do in Android Auto

With more context about your messages, emails, and calendar events, a more capable assistant can complete cross-app tasks while driving, such as “remind me to buy mom a birthday card before her birthday” or “which route to my dentist appointment will be the fastest?” I often use Siri AI in CarPlay for tasks like these, and Gemini operates the same way. However, these tasks require user input first; what makes an AI assistant in in-car software great is when it suggests tasks before you ask for them.

Siri suggests to me when I should leave my house for an upcoming event in my calendar, such as a dinner reservation, flight, or doctor’s appointment, based on traffic conditions. It looks like Gemini Intelligence in Android Auto will offer the same assistance. I’ve reached out to Google to confirm, and will update this article if I get a response.

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I find Siri’s upgraded capabilities most useful when I have a busy day and heavy Atlanta traffic is thrown in the mix. Sometimes people need information about where to meet up, but I don’t remember the exact name of the location or which street it’s on. It’s difficult to search through my old messages or emails while staying alert to crazed drivers on the interstate, so a smarter AI assistant comes in handy.

Gemini Intelligence vs. Personal Intelligence

Though Gemini Intelligence in Android Auto is reserved for Pixel users, the upgrade follows a series of improvements Google has rolled out to its in-car software. Non-Pixel Android phones and Android phones without Gemini Intelligence can use Personal Intelligence, which connects Gemini across your Google Maps, Photos, or Gmail data.

Personal Intelligence users can ask Gemini to navigate to a restaurant with a specific cuisine or vibe, or search their photos to find a car wash they photographed last week. Gemini Intelligence is more proactive and expansive, drawing on more sensitive data from your phone, such as messages, while Personal Intelligence relies solely on data from your Google services.