Gemini begins rolling out for existing Android Automotive vehicles

Google's Gemini AI assistant is rolling out to existing Android Automotive vehicles, starting with Volvo models like the EX30. The update enables enhanced voice controls for vehicle functions such as climate and wipers, with better handling of natural language requests than the previous Google Assistant.

Some months after its confirmation https://9to5google.com/2026/04/30/gemini-coming-to-android-automotive/ , Gemini for Android Automotive appears to be finally rolling out to existing vehicles. Not to be confused with Gemini on Android Auto, the Android Automotive update is intrinsically linked to the vehicle you’re driving, with enhanced voice controls for specific areas and onboard instruments. Previewed back at I/O 2025, this has been a long time coming for many vehicles, but the rollout appears to have started with existing Volvo vehicles, including the EX30 https://www.volvocars.com/intl/media/press-releases/789E7B09CD4D75AB/ . A pop-up on my own car overnight confirmed the expansion and some of the functionality that will be available to use with this specific Gemini update. If your car is eligible and powered by Android Automotive, now known as”Google Built-in”, you’ll get a pop-up to “Start using Gemini,” which is detailed as “your AI assistant for the car.” If you prefer using the Google Assistant, you’re able to dismiss this and use the older experience. Unlike with the Android Auto experience, Gemini lives in a pill here with Automotive. There is a dedicated “Live” button that you can tap to initiate the back-and-forth conversations. With Android Auto, this requires you to ask Gemini to “Talk Live.” As noted, you can do a vast array of things with Gemini here, like adjust A/C temps, turn on heated seats, set the windscreen wipers to come on, and much more. However, this will depend on how integrated the manufacturer allows for. In my brief experience, Gemini within my Android Automotive-powered vehicle is better at handling incorrect requests. For example, setting the A/C to 100% power. With the Assistant, I would have to be very specific with the level, such as “set the A/C to 5.” Gemini is able to take my comment and set the temperature and fan speed accordingly. Expect more vehicles to get this pop-up in the coming weeks, per the various carmakers’ own update schedules. More on Gemini: Gemini in Chrome adds ‘Select from screen’ tool as Gemini 3.5 Flash gains computer use https://9to5google.com/2026/06/24/gemini-chrome-select-screen/ Google Home gets another big update with app improvements, voice & camera upgrades https://9to5google.com/2026/06/23/google-home-app-voice-command-camera-updates/ Gemini overlay gets expanded ‘plus’ menu to do more without opening app https://9to5google.com/2026/06/22/gemini-overlay-expanded/ FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. https://9to5mac.com/about/ affiliate our homepage http://9to5google.com/ for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on exclusive stories https://9to5google.com/feature/exclusive/ , reviews https://9to5google.com/guides/reviews/ , how-tos https://9to5google.com/guides/how-to/ , and subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/9to5google