- Gemini could come to Android Auto with precise location access
- The update would make Gemini more useful on the road
- Changes to the look of the colors on Android Auto have also been spotted
We know that Gemini is heading to Android Auto in the near future, and when the rollout does finally get underway it would seem that the AI assistant will bring a useful upgrade with it: access to your vehicle’s precise location.
This tweak was spotted by the team at 9to5Google, hidden in the code of the latest beta version of the Android Auto app, v15.1. It looks as though users will be able to choose whether or not to share exact location details in the Android Auto settings.
The obvious benefits of giving Gemini full access to your location are of course navigating from A to B, and finding out about nearby places – if you need to stop for gas, for example, or want to find the best coffee shop in an area.
You can use Google Maps on Android Auto for these tasks without Gemini, but if you do need voice control and maybe a bit of extra AI assistance, then Gemini is going to be most helpful if it knows exactly where you are at all times.
The changing of the colors
Gemini is replacing Google Assistant across all of Google’s apps and devices, and based on some hints dropped by Google executives at the Pixel 10 launch event, the AI bot should reach Android Auto before the year is out.
We’ve already seen a preview of how Gemini might look on vehicle dashboards, and to a large extent the Gemini AI is going to work exactly the same as it does on your phone, only on a larger screen.
Meanwhile, the folks at Android Authority have spotted something else in the latest Android Auto code: a less vibrant color palette that’s not quite as saturated, with a primary color pulled from the selected wallpaper.
It’s possible that we’ll get the Gemini update and the revised color theme options at the same time, but we’re going to have to wait to see exactly how they fit in with the current interface – and as soon as Google officially starts the rollout, we’ll let you know.
