Google showed me the future of Android Auto – and now I’m scared of my own car

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My first thought after the upcoming Android Auto sign-off was dropped at Google I/O this week was to dread returning to my car, parked innocently on the other side of the country.

I’ve been an Android Auto user for years now, and while I’d like to think I’m one of the very lucky drivers who’s experienced few connectivity issues, taking AI into all consumer lifestyle products has given me hope for something bigger.

Also: Everything we saw at Google I/O: Gemini 3.5, Android XR specs, Spark, and more

The YouTube video player on the dashboard isn’t that, to be clear, but many of the other new additions to Android Auto, such as automated widgets and focused navigation, should make a big difference to my driving style. Here are my first impressions of the latest features, which will be launched later this year.

Appearance of additional content

It’s one thing to hear Google explain all the Material 3 Expressive changes that adorn the upcoming Android Auto interface, but it’s another to sit in a car with the software running.

Case in point: seeing Google Maps, a new three-panel layout with smart home controls, and a video player that automatically reduces to audio only on the Volvo EX60 blew me away. You can even place your own widgets that are quickly generated for personalized information. In my demo, a Google employee created a weather widget that clearly shows whether the weather is good for running and cycling.

I’m a “summarizing traffic for my commute this morning and finding a local bakery for a quick bite” kind of guy, but that’s the beauty of custom widgets. Here’s hoping they can meet our creative needs.

Also: 6 Android Auto apps I wish I had sooner, because they make all driving easier

Notably, the elements on the screen are more balanced and flow more easily, with rounded designs and a color theme that makes the car’s interface feel like an Android tablet and not like a split screen of random apps.

I’m a big fan of the new immersive navigation in Google Maps, which more accurately displays buildings, fields, hills, and other landscape features, giving drivers and passengers a clearer sense of the road ahead.

I would find this especially useful, as there are several overpasses and tunnels throughout New York City, and it can be a struggle to find the right route for a certain turn. Don’t judge.

Gemini’s next step in Android Auto

I strongly believe in integrating AI with hands-free operating systems, such as Android Auto, Google TV, and Android XR. Assistant works best when you don’t have the bandwidth (and concentration) to handle tasks, whether that’s typing in your next destination, checking a location, or responding to a notification.

Also: Android Auto works faster and smoother now thanks to my 4 simple changes

That’s why having a Gemini on board is a big deal. With cars that support Android Automotive (built-in software), like the Volvo EX60 I was in, you can now ask Gemini to perform vehicle-specific adjustments, such as darkening the sunroof or changing the ambient light colors.

This all depends on how well the car manufacturer prepares its Android Automotive components, of course, so the range can vary across makes and models.

In a more serious situation, you can ask Gemini to tap into the car’s surrounding cameras to handle multimodal queries, such as identifying surrounding buildings and landmarks. In my demo, Gemini correctly identified the Transamerica Pyramid up front, even spitting out some fun facts — because Gemini love to speak.

On a related note, there was a subtle but important detail during my simulated car ride: The Gemini’s navigation information was more understandable than I’m used to. For example, the voice assistant gave directions like “turn left at the intersection” rather than “turn left after 0.2 miles.“One of these is easier to understand when driving than the other.

Bottom line

Google says the next major update to Android Auto, with many, if not all, of the recently announced features, should be released in waves later this year. While I won’t hold my breath for the update to arrive in my Mazda anytime soon — the assistant’s transition to the Gemini hasn’t been very smooth — my first demo of the I/O View showed enough promise to keep my eyes open.