Android Auto gets a huge free voice control upgrade
Android Auto is getting smarter – and more hands-free – thanks to a major free upgrade powered by Google's AI assistant, Gemini.
Rolling out soon, the update will let drivers do a lot more with just their voice, from sending smarter messages to digging up info buried in Gmail – all without touching the screen or remembering clunky commands.
Gemini is Google's next-gen AI assistant; it's already available on some of the best phones, and it's now coming to cars that support Android Auto, with built-in models to follow later this year. Once active, it goes far beyond transcribing your words. You can speak naturally – 'message Joe in Spanish' – and Gemini will remember to translate future messages automatically. You can also fine-tune what you've said before sending, or have it translated into over 40 languages.
Feeling peckish mid-road trip? Ask Gemini to 'find good taco places along the way,' then follow up with 'what do the reviews say?' or 'is it kid-friendly?' The assistant ties into Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube Music and even Gmail to help dig up info fast, all while you keep your eyes on the road.
There's also Gemini Live – a more conversational mode. Say 'Hey Google, let's talk' and you can use it to brainstorm ideas, prep for meetings, or ask for advice while you drive. For example, 'How do I ask my boss for a promotion?' followed by 'When's the best time of day to bring it up?'
This upgrade is part of a wider push to make Google's car software more useful and human. Gemini will be supported on over 250 million Android Auto–enabled vehicles and more than 50 car models with Google built-in, including upcoming launches like the Lincoln Nautilus, Renault R5 and Honda Passport.
Google's also adding more third-party apps, including games and video (for parked downtime only), and expanding digital car key support to more vehicles from Audi, Volvo and Polestar.
More updates will be shown off at Google I/O next week – I can't wait.
Liked this? I got a behind-the-scenes look at Lego's fully drivable, life-sized F1 car collection
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Stuff.tv
23-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
Here's when Apple's AR glasses might be ready for launch – it's sooner than you think
We've heard rumours of Apple's AR smart glasses for years now – even before the Vision Pro headset hit the shelves. And since it arrived, we've heard that Apple's main focus is shrinking the tech down into a pair of smart specs. Now, it looks like Apple might be finally ready to make this device a reality. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is aiming for a release by the end of 2026. The glasses are shaping up to be one of the most powerful offerings available. They're expected to come with built-in speakers, microphones and cameras, and powered by an Apple-designed chip. We're talking about a device that lets you take calls, listen to music, get directions and even use Siri without pulling out your phone. There's mention of live translation features too, though how well any of this will work is still very much up in the air. Especially given Siri's… reputation. But apparently this isn't Apple's big AR vision just yet. Gurman notes that proper augmented reality glasses are still 'years away.' Instead, this sounds more like Apple's answer to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses – albeit with better build quality, according to sources at Apple. Considering Meta has already sold over a million pairs and Google is now working with Xreal and others on a rival Android XR platform, this could prove to be a challenge. But there's one big question hanging over Apple's effort: AI. Or rather, Apple's shaky track record with it. There are said to be internal concerns that the company's ongoing struggles with AI could hold this product back. Meta and Google are already pairing their wearables with their advanced AI systems, like Llama and Gemini. Whereas right now, Apple leans on third parties – Google Lens and OpenAI – for its iPhone-based Visual Intelligence features. That might be fine for now, but a future product like this will need something more native, more integrated. There's a lot riding on the AI chops Apple announces at WWDC 2025 in a few weeks.
Stuff.tv
22-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
I added wireless Android Auto to my car with this affordable adapter – now I won't drive without it
I didn't think I'd ever get excited about a small black box that hides in my car's dash. But here we are. The AAWireless Two adapter has quietly become one of the best upgrades I've made to my 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. It does one simple thing incredibly well: it lets me use Android Auto wirelessly. No more plugging in my phone every time I get in the car. No more fumbling with cables, especially when I've got a drink in one hand and the other's trying to open Google Maps and YouTube Music. This little adapter just works. Setting it up took less than five minutes. I plugged the AAWireless TWO into my Tiguan's USB port, paired it via Bluetooth with my Pixel 9 Pro, and Android Auto popped up on the infotainment screen as if it had always been there. The first time it happened, I was genuinely shocked at how easy it was. The connection is quick, usually taking the same time as if I'd plugged in a cable. Once connected, everything works exactly how it should. Google Maps, YouTube Music, Pocketcast, calls – all smooth and snappy. There's no noticeable lag, and everything responds just as fast as the wired version. It also switches between phones effortlessly. My wife drives the same car sometimes, and she uses a Pixel 9a. All it takes is a press of the button on the adapter and it swaps over to her profile. No digging around in menus. No repeated setup. It's basically seamless. Physically, the adapter's about the size of a matchbox. It tucks neatly away out of sight. I don't even think about it anymore, which is kind of the point. It just does its job. Well, most of the time… I can't say it's completely flawless. During my time testing it, I did have a few dropouts. Nothing major, and usually it reconnected in seconds, but worth mentioning. And, of course, wireless Android Auto drains my phone's battery much faster than plugging it in, but that's a wider Android Auto issue, not necessarily a problem with AAWireless Two. Still, the pros outweigh the cons. Not needing to fish out a USB cable every time I get in the car is a huge win, and being able to keep my phone in my pocket or bag without a mess of cables hanging about is life-changing (yes, I'm that sad). The adapter costs £53.99 in the UK or $64.99 in the US and you can buy it from the AAWireless website or on Amazon. It comes with a free companion app, but you don't need it for everyday use – though it's handy for updates and tweaks if you're the kind of person who likes fiddling with settings. One of the new tricks this version brings is a multifunctional button. You can use it to enter pairing mode, switch between phones, or even factory reset the device if something goes wrong. You rarely need it, but when you do, it's great to have. Now, if you're thinking about grabbing one, it might be worth knowing that AAWireless TWO+ is on the horizon. It's not out yet, but it's expected to bring a few more features to the table. So if you're not in a rush, you might want to wait and see what the new version offers. For me, though? This one's already earned a permanent spot in my car. No cables. No fuss. Just Android Auto without the cables. Liked this? The McLaren Artura is the most engaging hybrid I've ever driven
Stuff.tv
21-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
If you're a petrolhead, then you need this Audi-inspired gaming chair
Whether you're a PC gaming die-hard with a headset, are all-in on consoles, or split your time between the two, you're probably spending a heck of a lot of time sitting down. So getting a top gaming chair is pretty important. And if you're into cars, then this Audi-inspired gaming chair from Vertagear is perfect. Launched just in time to pair with all the latest gaming tech from Computex 2025, the collection offers three models, each mirroring a different Audi persona. The SL3800 Audi Edition, looks like it's been yanked out of an A4 – refined, plush, a bit posh but not flashy. Then there's the SL5800 RS Edition, which is for those who know what the letters DSG stand for. Finally, the PL4800 Audi Sport Edition is big, bold, and clearly not afraid of being the heaviest thing in the room. Think of it as the RS Q8 of chairs. If you know the difference between torque vectoring and torque steer, you'll appreciate the nods to proper automotive design. But this series of gaming chairs isn't just about the looks. There's ContourMax lumbar support that adapts to your spine like it's got adaptive suspension. You also get to enjoy the VertaAir seat system that keeps things breathable. It's also possibly the first time a chair has been compared to an Audi climate control system. Plus, there's HygennX tech going on to keep your set-up smelling like a showroom, not a locker room. It involves coffee grounds and silver threads in the chairs' material. If you're the kind of petrolhead who wants your backside supported with the same engineering ethos that went into an R8's seat bolsters, these gaming chairs might be worth a look. The SL3800 Audi Edition is going for $499, the SL5800 RS Edition lands at $599, and the PL4800 Audi Sport Edition tops the trio at $699. They're available for pre-order from Vertagear now, and ship in July.
