Gemini on Android Auto is an update drivers seem to love or hate – what do you think? [Poll]

Ben Schoon | Dec 23 2025 - 8:30 am PT

As Google Assistant was crumbling, the arrival of Gemini in Android Auto felt like a needed step forward. But, as the feature rolls out, it seems a bit divisive. What do you think of it?

Google started the rollout of Gemini for Android Auto a few weeks ago, with the update mostly available to all drivers at this point. The updated experience includes more detailed responses and interactions, support for Gemini Live, and more.

Personally, I’ve been a big fan. In a recent issue of NewGeekGuide Weekender, I went over my experience using Gemini in the car for getting better answers and brainstorming with Gemini Live. In my book, it’s perhaps the best place to use Gemini thus far, but it’s also not without flaw. For instance, one of the nitpicks I have about Gemini on Android Auto is that it’s a bit long-winded and doesn’t always interact with apps. In searching for Google Maps locations, you’ll often see Gemini give a long response about the location and continue talking and asking for more input from you, even if you already completed the action via touch.

Looking around the initial reactions to Gemini on Android Auto, things look pretty mixed.

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One user from Gemany took to Reddit calling Gemini’s Android Auto debut a “total game-changer,” complimenting the natural language interactions and understanding. Those were echoed throughout the comments, with many simply happy to finally be done with Assistant’s “I didn’t understand” errors.

Yet, for everyone who seems to be happy with the update, there are also plenty of people who have run into problems.

Several users say that Gemini is incapable of common tasks like calling or using voice commands with apps like Waze. There have also been reports of Google Home routines not working through the new Android Auto assistant, similar to reports of the same problem on smart speakers. Elsewhere, some have noticed that Gemini suddenly doesn’t work in certain vehicles. Some are also just frustrated that Gemini on Android Auto is so verbose, with long replies that take more time compared to Assistant. I’ve personally also noticed that, at least in my vehicle, Gemini Live is silent until after I’ve started speaking to it, and there’s also that aforementioned tendency to keep speaking after I’ve already finished an interaction.

These issues are a bit sporadic, so it’s hard to say what the problem is. But with Gemini rolling out widely on Android Auto, it’s also clear Google needs to deliver some fixes alongside it, with shorter replies probably somewhere near the top of the list. Especially if rumors of a March 2026 shutdown have any truth.

What do you think so far, though? Have you spent any time with Gemini behind the wheel? Do you like it? Have you had issues? Vote in the poll below and let’s discuss in the comments!