I tested Gemini on Android Auto and now I can't stop talking to it: 5 tasks it nails

## Summary
Innovation Home Innovation Artificial Intelligence I tested Gemini on Android Auto and now I can't stop talking to it: 5 tasks it nails I didn't see much benefit for Google's AI - until now. Also: Your Android Auto just got 5 useful upgrades for free - and Google isn't done Here are some of the best ways I'm using the new Gemini integration. Also: Google just gave Android Auto its most significant update yet - and we tested it on the road I asked for the best local spots to find ice cream. Without mentioning the theater or the show's name, I just asked, "What's the address for the show tonight?" Gemini thought for a few seconds and then replied that my confirmation email didn't mention an address before asking, "Do you want me to find that information online?" When I said I did, it quickly found the address and offered to start navigation.

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I tested Gemini on Android Auto and now I can't stop talking to it: 5 tasks it nails
I didn't see much benefit for Google's AI - until now. Here are my favorite ways to use the new Gemini integration in my car.
Written by
Artie Beaty,
Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
April 6, 2026 at 10:55 a.m. PT
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
Gemini is now widely available in Android Auto.
It can integrate with Google services and other apps.
The AI answered both simple and complex, multi-step questions.
Despite Google's insistence on packing artificial intelligence into nearly every conceivable product, I haven't really found too much day-to-day use for it. That might change now.
Over the weekend, I noticed my Android Auto had updated to include Gemini. I decided to give it a quick test, and it deftly answered my questions. When I started to dive deeper, though, I was surprised by just how much it could do and how easily it handled what I thought were more complex asks.
Also:
Your Android Auto just got 5 useful upgrades for free - and Google isn't done
Here are some of the best ways I'm using the new Gemini integration. To get started for yourself, you can either use the mic button on your steering wheel or say "Hey Google."
1. Finding hours or other information about local businesses
When using my phone in the car, most of the time I'm checking hours for a local business or researching nearby restaurants or stores. I found that Gemini is perfect for quick, simple questions like, "What time does Tony's Ice Cream close?" But it's also great for diving a little deeper.
I'm the type of person who likes to do a lot of investigating when I'm trying to find a new restaurant. I like to know what makes each one special and what people recommend -- before I decide. Gemini does very well in situations like this.
Also:
Google just gave Android Auto its most significant update yet - and we tested it on the road
I asked for the best local spots to find ice cream. Instead of just showing a list, Gemini began detailing each spot, noting that the number one recommendation was "a legendary local spot with more than 100 years of history scooping up happiness." It went down the list, offering up recommendations about each option, and then it even asked which one I wanted to navigate to.
2. Tracking down info deep in your email
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 theater or the show's name, I just asked, "What's the address for the show tonight?" Gemini thought for a few seconds and then replied that my confirmation email didn't mention an address before asking, "Do you want me to find that information online?" When I said I did, it quickly found the address and offered to start navigation.
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 that thing I ordered from the TikTok shop arriving?" or "I remember a coupon for a haircut in my email, when does that expire?" It handled each one perfectly.
Also:
How to clear your Android phone cache - and why it greatly improves performance
Instead of opening my Gmail app, scrolling to find what I need or searching, and then opening the message, I can now get this info quickly with Gemini's help.
3. Getting answers on the go, and keeping the conversation going
I'm the type of person who immediately looks up the answers to random questions that pop in my head -- things like, "Where is the Australian Shepherd dog breed from," "How do I make polymer clay earrings?" (my wife had seen some at a vendor fair), or "How do I make an electromagnet for an elementary school science project?"
Instead of Googling these queries, I asked Gemini. I wasn't surprised to get a response, but I was surprised by how Gemini offered to keep things going. Every time Gemini offered an answer, it would ask if I wanted to talk more. I found myself having a conversation about my dog and why he doesn't shed nearly as much as my other one, about the best way to present my son's electromagnet, and even about different ways to make clay earrings and which option was best.
4. Saving reminders and notes
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 goes for my reminder list in Google Keep. Quite often, while I'm driving, I'll have a thought I want to remember later. Gemini, through Android Auto, was able to add things to my Keep lists and add things to my Calendar. It also gave me a rundown of what's on my calendar and even asked if I wanted help getting ready for a meeting tomorrow (which was actually my wife's event on our shared calendar).
Also:
The best AI chatbots: Expert tested and reviewed
5. Picking the perfect pl

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Innovation Home Innovation Artificial Intelligence I tested Gemini on Android Auto and now I can't stop talking to it: 5 tasks it nails I didn't see much benefit for Google's AI - until now.
- Also: Google just gave Android Auto its most significant update yet - and we tested it on the road I asked for the best local spots to find ice cream.

### Areas for Consideration
N/A

### Implications
- That might change now.
- When I started to dive deeper, though, I was surprised by just how much it could do and how easily it handled what I thought were more complex asks.
- If, like me, you haven't really embraced Gemini yet, Android Auto might just be your ticket in.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers gemini, google, android topics. Notable strengths include discussion of gemini. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1313.