Android Auto 13.9 Beta 2: Gemini Live and New Temperature Control Feature
Google today released Android Auto 13.9 beta update 2 ad added one crucial update to it — temperature control on eligible devices. The beta only brings bug fixes, adds one new feature, and prepares for the inevitable replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini AI.
We have already covered most of the features, such as the long awaited Car Ready Mobile Apps Program and New Car App Quality Tiers. This program’s aim is to unlock new apps for Android Auto while in driving modes and parked mode.
Another big change happening is the switch from Google Assistant to Gemini for Android Auto, Wear OS, Android Automotive, Android XR and more platforms. You may soon see Gemini in your car. So stay tuned as we will be the first to showcase the new AI for cars here.
Gemini Live in Android Auto
Google Assistant, which has over a billion downloads on Android, hasn’t been updated in over a year. Read more on why Google Assistant is failing for many users. The slow deprivation of the native assistant is happening and will soon be added into the long list of Killed by Google list.
Many issues are appearing on Android Auto platforms still using the Google Assistant. This is because Google has long abandoned the native assistant in favor of the AI based Gemini assistant.
Android phone are already forced to replace Google Assistant with Gemini. Android Auto, Wear OS, and older smartphones will get the Gemini AI assistant any time now.
As we reported earlier, Google is testing the Gemini Live action trigger, which is outlined by the code found in the previous Android Auto versions. The source code assistant kitt live and a new icon uwas found which points to the new assistant like Gemini Live.
<public type=”drawable” name=”res_0x7f080009_ic_assistant_kitt_live_icon__0″/>
<public type=”string” name=”gearhead_assistant_action_kitt_live_query”/>
You will soon see a live example of Gemini on Android Auto here. So stay tuned!
Adds temperature control
Android Auto 13.9 beta 2 adds one but critical feature for temperature control. You can now set the temperature to high, low, or turn off directly from Android Auto interface in eligible devices.
We found the following code in the latest beta update.
<public type=”string” name=”control_temperature_hi” id=”0x7f150442″ /> <public type=”string” name=”control_temperature_lo” id=”0x7f150443″ /> <public type=”string” name=”control_temperature_off” id=”0x7f150444″ />
Unlocking new phone apps for Android Auto in parked and drive modes
Android Auto will soon notify you if there are new apps available for your car. Google announced Car Ready Mobile Apps Program last year, which may be taking effect now as Android Auto will show compatible apps installed on your phone.
We found the following code in Android Auto 13.7 source:
<public type=”string” name=”new_app_available”/>
<public type=”string” name=”new_parked_app_available”/>
The new parked app is particularly interesting because Android Auto may enable more apps when parked.
What is Car Ready Mobile Apps Program?
Android Auto 13.9 update aligns with Google’s promise for Car Ready Mobile Apps Program and New Car App Quality Tiers.
Google announced new quality tiers to streamline the process of adapting existing apps for cars. These tiers ensure that apps provide a great user experience while addressing unique automotive considerations such as safety and varied screen sizes.
The tiers include:
- Tier 1: Car Differentiated — Apps specifically designed for the diverse hardware in cars, adaptable to both driving and parked modes, and optimized for various screens like the center console and instrument cluster.
- Tier 2: Car Optimized — Apps that provide a strong in-car experience with some car-specific engineering, suitable for both driving and parked modes.
- Tier 3: Car Ready — Apps compatible with large screens, enabled while the car is parked, and requiring minimal additional development work.
Android Auto Car App Quality Tiers may be taking into effect, and app developers may already be working on deploying apps for cars as we write. We may even see Google’s own apps like YouTube make its way to Android Auto while the care is parked.
Audio drop and Bluetooth connectivity fixes
Android’s February 2025 security patch addressed persistent issues with audio output and intermittent Bluetooth connectivity. This update ensures that the audio systems in your car function as expected and that your devices connect reliably.
The two main fixes brought up in the February 2025 patch are related to Audio and Bluetooth, especially for Android Auto. It fixed issues with audio output in Android Auto under certain conditions and fix for issue occasionally preventing connection with certain Bluetooth devices or accessories.
So look forward to the new update on your phone by visiting Settings > System Updates > Check for OTA Update.
Google Pixel lineup is the first to receive the February software update running Android 15. However, other phone manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Nothing, Xiaomi, OPPO, and telecom carriers will soon release the latest Android Security Patches for their respective phones this month.
Download Android Auto from Play Store
The official Android Auto listing is now available on Play Store. However, the latest version takes some time to reflect as it is a phased update. As an alternative, download APK from above or sign up for beta version.
