Google brings Gemini Personal Intelligence to Android Auto

In short: Google is rolling out Gemini Personal Intelligence to Android Auto, with support for cars that have Google built-in coming in the next few months.

What happened

Google is adding “Personal Intelligence” to Gemini in cars. This is the setting that lets Gemini use information from your Google account, like Gmail, Calendar, Search, and Photos, to answer questions.

The rollout starts on Android Auto today. Android Auto is the system that shows phone apps on your car’s screen. Google says the same feature will come to “Google built-in” cars in the next few months. Google built-in means the car runs Google software directly on its dashboard screen, instead of showing an interface from your phone.

Google says this can make voice requests easier while driving. For example, you could say “take me to my doctor’s appointment,” and Gemini could pull the address and time from your calendar. It can also look at information in your photos to help find a location to navigate to.

The feature is optional and is off by default. However, Ars Technica notes that if you previously turned it on in Gemini settings, that choice may carry over to Android Auto. The controls are in the Gemini app under “Connected Apps,” where you can turn links to Workspace (Gmail and Calendar), Search, Photos, and other services on or off.

Why it matters

This changes how much personal information your in-car assistant might use. It can be convenient, like having a helper who already knows your schedule. But cars are shared spaces, and you may not want your email, calendar, or photos affecting what the assistant says on the car screen. It is a good time to review your Gemini “Connected Apps” settings and make sure they match what you are comfortable sharing.

Source: Arstechnica