Gemini is hitting the road.
As per Google, there are more than 250 million vehicles compatible with Android Auto today, along with over 50 car models that have Google integrated directly into their infotainment systems. These cars are about to become significantly smarter, as Gemini will be available on Android Auto.
Gemini for Android Auto will function the same way it does in other settings, providing access to conversations, insights, helpful tips, and more.
Here are a few unique ways to utilize Gemini while on the move with Android Auto.
1. Discover the ideal restaurant
When hunger strikes while driving, Gemini can assist you in finding what you need. Simply ask Gemini to “locate excellent burger joints along the route,” and you’ll receive a list of restaurants that specialize in them. You can request insights from reviews or inquire about basic details like business hours. Once you’ve made your choice, Gemini can connect to Google Maps to guide you there.
2. Get ready for an important conversation
If you have a significant conversation or call coming up, you can utilize Gemini’s conversational abilities to prepare without diverting your attention from driving. Just say, “Hey Google, let’s talk,” to get started. Ask Gemini, for instance, “I need to discuss a new promotion with my boss. How should I approach this?” and you’ll receive strategic suggestions about what to say.
This isn’t limited to workplace matters; you can consult Gemini for assistance with any conversation—whether it’s discussing a gentle breakup, resolving a dispute with a friend, or discussing finances with a partner, and much more.
3. Translate text messages
Sending a message to someone who speaks a different language can be challenging, especially if you’re using your voice while driving. You can instruct Gemini to always send messages to a specific contact in a particular language (for example, “always text John in Spanish”). The next time you message that person, Gemini can help you formulate the message instead of translating it literally—ensuring that more context is captured.
4. Search Gmail
Forgot where your child’s soccer game is scheduled for this week? You can ask Gemini to locate it for you. If the details are buried in numerous emails, just tell Gemini to find it, and it will retrieve the necessary information.
5. Check your calendar
Want to arrive at work equipped with knowledge? Ask Gemini to inform you about your schedule on Google Calendar.
If you’re not keen on using Gemini, Android Auto is also receiving various standalone enhancements. Google mentions that the app catalog is expanding to include additional categories such as games and video, and it’s broadening the digital car key feature to more vehicles, including Audi, Volvo, and Polestar.
According to Google, Gemini will be available on cars that support Android Auto in the coming months and in vehicles with Google built-in, such as the Lincoln Nautilus, Renault R5, and Honda Passport, later this year.
Android Auto enhances your phone’s functionality while driving, but the connection between your phone and the car can sometimes be unstable. Here are some points you can review to establish a more dependable connection.
After recently acquiring a vehicle equipped with Android Auto, I was eager to finally utilize that feature with my phone. However, one of the first issues I encountered was the inconsistency of the phone-to-car connection. One moment, Android Auto is functioning, and the next moment — it disappears.
I conducted some troubleshooting and uncovered a few reasons for these persistent issues. Hopefully, my findings will be beneficial for you.
Let’s jump right in.
1. Incompatible USB cable
I’ve previously discussed how to avoid the pitfalls of poor-quality USB cables. The reality is that not all USB cables are of equal quality. Some cables are subpar and unable to ensure a stable connection or data transfer rate.
The concern here is that Android Auto is quite particular about its connection when a USB link is necessary. If you have a substandard, damaged, slow, or excessively long cable, the link between your phone and car may not be sufficiently reliable.
One of the most dependable (yet affordable) options is the Belkin BoostCharge. Opt for the smaller variant of that cable, and it should serve you well.
2. Clean the ports
Cars can accumulate a significant amount of dust. If your USB port is exposed, it may become dirty, and dirty ports lead to weak connections. To clean the port on your car and/or phone, buy a can of compressed air and clear out any dust or debris. Try reconnecting after the cleaning. Continue cleaning to see if the connection stabilizes. If you notice something stuck in the USB port (which I’ve seen happen too often), use a toothpick to remove it. While you’re at it, ensure the port on your car isn’t loose. If it is, you’ll want to have it checked out.
3. Restart things
First, restart your phone and see if that resolves the issue. If it doesn’t, your car features something known as a “head unit.” Certain vehicle makes and models allow for the head unit to be restarted via a power button in the car’s settings menu. Check if you can find it there or consult your car’s manual. In some vehicles, you can restart the head unit by turning off the car, opening the driver’s side door, waiting a little while, and then restarting.
4. Software issues
Android Auto has had a history of bugs, but recent versions have improved significantly. Still, verify that you are running the latest versions of both Android and Android Auto. Simultaneously, ensure that your car’s head unit software is updated. For this, you may need to visit your dealer or mechanic. Of course, not all car manufacturers routinely provide firmware updates, so this can vary.
5. Settings and permissions
Incorrect settings within Android might lead to complications with the connection between your phone and vehicle. This issue often stems from permissions. Android Auto must have the correct permissions granted, or it will either fail to connect or lose the connection whenever the car requests data from an app or service for which it lacks permissions.
To check that the permissions are correct, navigate to Settings > Apps, locate Android Auto, tap Permissions, and ensure it has access to all necessary entries (Calendar, Call Logs, Contacts, Locations, Microphone, Nearby Devices, Notifications, Phone, and SMS). If any permissions are missing, make sure to add them. For Android Auto to function correctly, it must be allowed access to each of those features.
Also, ensure that battery optimization is turned off for Android Auto. If the app is set for battery optimization, it will certainly disrupt the connection to the car. For this, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > App Battery Usage and disable “Allow Background Usage.”
You may need to explore each of these recommendations before identifying the root cause of the issue. It’s possible that more than one of the tips listed above is contributing to the problem. In any case, these suggestions should help you establish a significantly more stable connection between your phone and vehicle.
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