Also: Your Android Auto just got 5 useful upgrades for free \u2014 and Google’s not done<\/strong><\/p>\nHere are some of the best ways I’m using the new Gemini integration. To initiate it yourself, you can either use the mic button on your steering wheel or say “Hey Google.” <\/p>\n
1. Finding hours or other information about local businesses<\/h2>\n
When using my phone in the car, most of the time I’m checking hours for a local business or researching nearby restaurants or shops. I found Gemini to be perfect for quick, simple queries, like “What time does Tony’s Ice Cream close?” But it’s also great for diving a little deeper.<\/p>\n
I’m the type of person who likes to do a lot of research when trying to find a new restaurant. Before I decide I like to know what makes each one special and what people recommend. Gemini performs very well in such situations. <\/p>\n
Also: Google just gave Android Auto its most significant update yet \u2014 and we tested it on the road<\/strong><\/p>\nI asked about the best local places to find ice cream. Instead of just showing a list, Gemini began describing each location, noting that the number one recommendation was “a well-known local spot that packs a punch with over 100 years of history.” It went down the list, offered recommendations about each option, and then also asked which option I wanted to navigate to. <\/p>\n
2. Tracking in-depth information in your emails<\/h2>\n
My wife and I had tickets to a show this weekend, and while I knew where I was going, I decided to see if Gemini would help. Without mentioning the name of the theater or the show, I simply asked, “What’s the address of tonight’s show?” Gemini thought for a few seconds and then replied that there was no address mentioned in my confirmation email, before asking, “Would you like me to find that information online?” When I said I did, it immediately found the address and offered to begin navigation. <\/p>\n
I asked Gemini several other email-specific questions like “What’s coming in the mail today?” (Thanks to USPS Informed Delivery) and even some vague ones like “When is this thing I ordered from the TikTok shop arriving?” or “I missed a coupon for a haircut in my email, when does it expire?” It handled each one perfectly.<\/p>\n
Also: How to clear your Android phone cache \u2013 and why it drastically improves performance<\/strong><\/p>\nInstead of opening my Gmail app, scrolling to find what I need, and then opening the message, I can now get this information instantly with the help of Gemini.<\/p>\n
3. Get answers on the go, and keep the conversation going<\/h2>\n
I’m the type of person who quickly finds answers to random questions that pop into my head – like, “Where is the Australian Shepherd dog breed from,” “How do I make polymer clay earrings?” (My wife saw some at the vendor fair), or “How do I make an electromagnet for an elementary school science project?”<\/p>\n
Instead of Googling these questions, I asked Gemini. I wasn’t surprised by the response, but I was surprised by how Gemini offered to keep things going. Whenever Gemini responded, he would ask if I wanted to talk more. I found myself having conversations about my dog \u200b\u200band why he doesn’t shed as much as my dog, the best way to present my son’s electromagnet, and even about the different ways to make clay earrings and which option is best. <\/p>\n
4. Saving reminders and notes<\/h2>\n
I live by my Google Calendar, and if I don’t have something saved there, there’s a good chance I’ll forget it. The same applies to my reminders list in Google Keep. Often, when I’m driving, a thought comes to my mind that I want to remember later. Gemini, via Android Auto, was able to add things to my Keep lists and add things to my Calendar. It also told me what was on my calendar and even asked if I needed help getting ready for tomorrow’s meeting (which was actually my wife’s schedule on our shared calendar). <\/p>\n
Also: Best AI Chatbots: Expert Tests and Reviews<\/strong><\/p>\n5. Choosing the right playlist<\/h2>\n
When it comes to the radio in my car, I’m constantly bouncing between a podcast, that song that’s stuck in my head because it went viral on TikTok, whatever my kids request, or any number of other songs. This means I’m often bouncing between Spotify, YouTube, and my XM Radio. <\/p>\n
I often want to listen to a specific song or album, and I was able to get the Gemini to pull out specific songs using Spotify and YouTube and stick to songs from that album. When I was in a more normal mood, I asked Gemini to tune in to a specific XM station for me. <\/p>\n
I haven’t stumped the AI \u200b\u200byet<\/h2>\n
Overall, I’m finding that the Gemini can handle at least 90% of the tasks I would otherwise pick up my phone for, from basic queries to more in-depth, multi-level queries. It was also able to integrate with Google services like Gmail and Apps, as well as many other apps. <\/p>\n
Also: Google’s Gemma 4 model goes fully open-source and unlocks powerful local AI \u2014 even on phones<\/strong><\/p>\nThe basic questions are more general, but the ones that require research are the ones where Gemini shines. I kept trying to think of new things to ask, and I had trouble finding something that would actually stop the AI. If, like me, you haven’t really adopted Gemini yet, Android Auto may be a good fit for you. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n