Android Auto Gets Gemini Personal Intelligence, Reading Gmail in the Car

Google has announced Personal Intelligence, a Gemini feature for Android Auto. When a user gives permission, Gemini can access information from Gmail, Google Calendar, Photos, Maps, YouTube and Search. The company also said Gemini is now available globally in Android Auto and in cars with Google built-in.

Personal Intelligence can find a specific detail in an email, a photo or a place saved in Maps, and it can connect information across several sources to produce an answer. In one example from Google, a driver heading to the airport asks about the gate and whether the flight is on time. Gemini takes the gate information from a confirmation email, checks the flight status and gives both answers in a single response. According to Bloomberg HT, the driver will also receive an instant alert if the flight is delayed.

What commands work

Google's examples include the request "Take me to my doctor's appointment". The driver does not need to look up the address. A request such as "Find the car wash from the photo I took last week and give me directions" can also be handled without the driver searching the photo gallery. Along the route, Gemini can find a covered restaurant that matches the user's preferences, such as one with vegetarian options.

Privacy and conditions

Apps do not connect unless the user turns the feature on, and it can be switched off at any time from Gemini settings. Google built-in cars only share personal answers while the user's phone is connected and the user is in the vehicle. Even with Personal Intelligence off, navigation, music, calling and general questions still work. Only the answers stop being personalized.

When and for whom

The feature starts rolling out in Android Auto today. It will reach Google built-in cars in the coming months. Users who already turned on the feature in the Gemini app will have their settings carried over to the car automatically.

For now, the feature is available to personal Google accounts for users aged 18 and over. Workspace business, enterprise and education accounts are excluded. The European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Nigeria are not included in the rollout. Google brought Gemini to Android Auto last year and to Google built-in cars in April.