- Google is giving Android Auto its biggest redesign yet
- Widgets, immersive 3D Google Maps navigation, and video are all coming
- Gemini AI is becoming deeply integrated into Android Auto and Google built-in cars
Google has announced major upgrades to its Android Auto product, with the company stating that the next generation of the software features a “stunning new experience, premium entertainment, and a more helpful Gemini”.
On top of this, Google has been working alongside most of the major automotive manufacturers to improve the proposition on the more than 100 models from 16 brands that feature an infotainment system that runs the Android Automotive operating system.
The most obvious upgrade is the redesign itself. Android Auto is adopting Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, bringing slicker animations, bolder typography, and more personalization options to the dashboard.
Widgets are also arriving, allowing drivers to pin key information directly onto the home screen. Think weather updates, most-used contacts, and even smart-home shortcuts like garage door controls.
But the biggest visual leap is Google Maps’ new “Immersive Navigation” mode. Google describes it as the biggest Maps upgrade in over a decade, adding slick and detailed 3D visuals for roads, buildings, and terrain, alongside enhanced lane guidance, traffic light indicators, and stop sign overlays.
For drivers using increasingly massive infotainment displays — especially in modern EVs — this could make navigation dramatically clearer and more intuitive.
Dolby Atmos comes to the dashboard
After a long wait, video playback is finally coming to Android Auto, which allows parked motorists to stream apps like YouTube in full HD at 60fps directly on compatible car screens.
Supported brands at launch include BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda, and Volvo.
Crucially, Google says playback won’t simply cut off once you start driving. Instead, supported apps, such as Spotify and other Pod-catchers, can transition from video into audio-only mode, ideal for podcasts and long-form YouTube content.
Audio is also getting an upgrade, with Dolby Atmos spatial sound support arriving in compatible vehicles and apps.
Combined with the increasingly impressive speaker systems in premium EVs and luxury vehicles, this could turn charging stops into genuine cinema-style experiences.
Gemini gets a big boost
Gemini is already rolling out more widely across Android Auto, but later this year, users with Gemini Intelligence-enabled phones will get deeper contextual features.
The idea is to make your car assistant proactive rather than reactive.
Google’s example includes Gemini automatically understanding a friend’s text asking for an address, finding the relevant information in your emails, messages, or calendar, then suggesting a one-tap reply.
The system will even handle food orders while driving. Google demonstrated users asking Gemini to reorder meals through DoorDash, with pickup ready by arrival.
What’s more, those vehicles with Google built in will enjoy deeper integration between Gemini and the vehicle itself, with the AI assistant able to access vehicle information.
Ultimately, it means you can ask Gemini questions about the car, such as what a warning light might mean or, as Google demonstrated, whether something will fit in the trunk.
Google Maps will also be able to tap into the vehicle’s front-facing cameras (if it has them), so it has a better understanding of lane position and can then give the appropriate guidance in real-time.
The software giant hasn’t given a specific date for these upgrades to arrive, simply stating that they will be coming to your car “throughout the year”.
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