The arrival of Gemini on Android Auto promised to improve the driving experience with a smarter, more natural assistant. However, initial driver impressions have been quite negative . On forums like Reddit, many are sharing their frustration with the new system, which has replaced the classic Google Assistant.
The main problem isn't that Gemini doesn't understand commands, but rather that its driving behavior is excessively conversational . Users complain that it gives overly long responses, presents unsolicited options, and sometimes fails to correctly perform tasks that were previously resolved with a simple command. This situation, unsurprisingly, is generating intense debate.
An assistant who doesn't know how to keep quiet
When you're driving, the last thing you need is a voiceover from your assistant. Gemini tends to engage in more natural conversations , which is theoretically an advantage, but in practice becomes a distraction. Drivers report that after requesting a specific action, the assistant continues talking, offering alternatives, or even asking if they need anything else. This forces them to focus on the system instead of the road.
Furthermore, the preferences for shortening responses are not always saved . Several users have noticed that after restarting the car or phone, Gemini reverts to its chatty behavior, ignoring the previously configured settings. This lack of consistency is particularly frustrating when predictable behavior is expected.
Errors in basic tasks
It's not just a problem with excessive text. Gemini also struggles with everyday tasks that Google Assistant handled effortlessly. For example, when requesting a specific song, the assistant might mistake the app for a podcast service instead of the usual music platform. There have also been reports of it interpreting a music request as a command to play a video, something Android Auto blocks while the vehicle is in motion.
Things aren't any better with messaging. The assistant doesn't always identify the correct contact when nicknames or informal names are used, sometimes selecting email addresses or contacts that have nothing to do with the intended recipient. And when navigating, requesting a stop can alter the active route, replacing it or canceling it altogether. All of this in an environment where concentration is vital.
The end of Google Assistant
This change isn't temporary. Google has confirmed that Google Assistant will no longer be available on most Android devices, including Android Auto, by September 2026. From that date, Gemini will be the only voice assistant in cars using Android Auto projected from the phone. The migration is already underway, and many users have received it without prior notice, increasing the sense of being rushed.
Meanwhile, drivers will have to live with these shortcomings until Google releases an update that improves Gemini's in-car performance. Some have already opted to disable voice control , while others hope the company will listen to the criticism and adjust the assistant to the actual needs of driving.
In short, Gemini's integration into Android Auto is proving more problematic than expected. Complaints about excessive voice chatter and errors in basic tasks are constant, and the disappearance of Google Assistant doesn't leave many alternatives. It remains to be seen whether Google will react in time to prevent the driving experience from becoming a real ordeal.
