Google brings a more personalized Gemini assistant to cars
Google announced a "Personal Intelligence with Gemini" feature that lets the in-car assistant use data from a user's Google services. It is available in Android Auto now and will reach cars with Google Built-in in the coming months.
Technology company Google said on Tuesday that its Gemini AI assistant, already present in millions of cars, trucks and SUVs, is getting a personalization feature called "Personal Intelligence with Gemini." It lets the assistant draw on information from Gmail, Google Calendar, YouTube, Maps, Google Search history and other linked services to better understand a user's preferences, routines and past experiences. The move could tie consumers even more closely to Google's ecosystem of products.
How it reaches vehicles
Google will deliver the feature in two ways. The first is Android Auto, an app that runs on the user's phone, communicates wirelessly with the car's infotainment system and projects navigation, media and messaging onto it. The second is Google Built-in, software and services integrated directly into the vehicle.
The Android Auto version becomes available starting Tuesday, while cars with Google Built-in will get it in the coming months. Gemini first arrived in Android Auto last November. The "Personal Intelligence" feature of Gemini itself rolled out across the U.S. in March and is now in beta in global markets.
What it can do
The feature links data across different Google apps. For example, a driver heading to the airport could be alerted that the flight in their calendar is delayed. Users will be able to make complex requests in natural language: they might ask for their flight gate and then immediately ask whether the flight is still on time. Google said Gemini will answer both questions at the same time.
Data control
The feature works only if drivers opt in. Google says users keep full control over their data: the feature can be switched on or off at any time, and people can choose which apps to connect. Even so, this level of data combination may make some consumers uncomfortable.
