Google just announced a slew of major updates to Android Auto and to the cars with Google built-in platform, bringing a redesigned interface, high-definition in-car entertainment, and a significantly more capable Gemini AI assistant to drivers.
- Google Maps to get immersive 3D view with lane-level guidance
- Android Auto to support Dolby Atmos in supported cars and apps
- Gemini Intelligence to get deeper vehicle integration
Real-time Gemini Intelligence
On the AI front, phones with Gemini Intelligence will be able to extend that capability to the car later this year. Practically, this means the Gemini assistant can read context from your messages, calendar, or email to answer questions or draft replies using the ‘Magic Cue’ function. In the US, Google has even demonstrated food ordering via voice, with DoorDash as the launch partner.
Cars with Google built-in get all of the above, plus Gemini’s ability to answer vehicle-specific queries, such as identifying a dashboard warning light or estimating whether cargo will fit in the boot. In eligible cars, Google claims the ‘live-lane guidance’ will use the vehicle’s front-facing camera to track which lane the driver is in and offer real-time advice accordingly.
Personalised Android Auto
The new Android Auto experience gets a full visual overhaul built around the Material 3 Expressive design language, which is the same one used on Android phones. The design language brings customisable widgets, wallpapers, animations, expressive typography and edge-to-edge Google Maps on the dashboard, allowing users to customise it and make it personal. Google claims that this new layout is designed to adapt to any in-car screen shape, be it ultrawide, circular, or otherwise.
At its heart is what Google calls ‘Immersive Navigation’. Described as ‘the biggest update to Google Maps in over a decade’, it features a clear and vivid 3D view of buildings, overpasses and terrain, along with lane-level guidance, highlighting traffic lights and stop signs, allowing users to help make tricky turns and merge lanes more easily, claims Google.
Updated entertainment
For the first time, Android Auto will support full HD video playback at 60fps while the car is parked or charging, and when the driver puts the car in gear, the video will transition seamlessly to audio-only, so a ‘video podcast’ of sorts keeps playing without interruption on apps that support background audio functionality. Dolby Atmos spatial audio support is also on the way for supported apps and cars. Launch partners for both features include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mahindra, Tata, Volvo, Renault and Skoda. However, there is no indication of exact launch date yet.
Google says these updates will roll out to compatible cars throughout 2026.
Suraj Viswanathan
Saptarshi Mondal
Sergius Barretto
Hormazd Sorabjee
Viraaj Bhatnagar
