Android Auto to Replace Google Assistant with Gemini, as found in latest beta update

As we reported earlier, AI Assistants could come to Cars with Android Auto with Google Gemini. While it was just a speculation at that time, we have confirmation that Gemini might replace Google Assistant in the near future. The latest Android Auto12.8 beta update has code suggesting that Gemini Live may be implemented into cars soon.

Google has been aggressively forcing Android users to use their brand-new AI assistant called Gemini. The Pixel 9 series has Gemini as default. The new AI also forcefully disabling Google Assistant if you try to switch to Gemini.

Android Auto 12.8 beta is now rolling out with one experimental feature and under the code optimizations to the system. If you have been following our new APK Breakdown series, we unveiled a bunch of things coming to Android Auto like the new Car Radio Controls feature, System Health Metrics, new notification app badges & animations, support for new OEM cars.

Google is testing the Gemini Live action trigger, which is outlined by the code found in the latest Android Auto beta. We found the following source code assistant kitt live and a new icon under for the same, which suggests a new assistant like Gemini Live, which is essentially a replacement to Google Assistant.

<public type="drawable" name="res_0x7f080009_ic_assistant_kitt_live_icon__0"/>
<public type="string" name="gearhead_assistant_action_kitt_live_query"/>

Android Authority’s post about it also suggest that Gemini could make its way to Android Auto.

What is Gemini Live and what are the features? Gemini Live is the new voice mode from Google, similar to ChatGPT Voice Mode. It is a new mobile conversational experience that allows users the ability to have natural, conversational interactions for complex tasks like brainstorming job ideas.

The actual implementation may come in the near future with an option to switch between Google Assistant and Gemini Live.

Apart from Gemini, we also found a new material_map_template_layout which suggest that a redesigned Google Maps template may be on its way for different car head units.

<public type="layout" name="material_map_template_layout"/>

Android Auto will receive car radio controls for FM and AM, similar to Apple’s Car Play. This radio on your car feature got an upgrade with a new favorite label. You will be able to add mark your favorite radio channels on Android Auto.

Here is the source code we found in the latest update:

<public type=”string” name=”radio_add_favorite_label”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_am_display_name”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_dab_display_name”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_favorites_display_name” />
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_fm_display_name”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_fm_hd_display_name”/>

Moreover, the biggest announcement for this month is that Google Maps gets a new Reporting Feature available for Android, iOS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With this new update, Google will crowdsource traffic reports, constructions, police, lane closures, and more and report to everyone on Google Maps; similar to Waze.

Digging deep into the source code, we also found references to a new Play Store Logo. Take that as you will, as we aren’t sure what this means just yet. The code wasn’t available in the previous versions. This is the first time the Play Store Logo has been referenced.

<public type=”drawable” name=”product_logo_play_store_round_color_48″ />

The last few updates were quite extensive in terms of functionality and implementing features for Android Auto. The latest Android Auto 12.8 has been pushed to beta channel that is a small update compared to Android Auto 12.5.

Checkout all the new features in Android Auto from our previous article like support for Lucid Motors, System Health Metrics, and Notification badges. Here is the Complete List of Car Manufacturers Supported by Android Auto.

Most importantly, download latest Android Auto APK from here.