GM is upgrading millions of cars with Google Gemini, and it’s a bigger deal than you might think. The update is rolling out to model year 2022 and newer Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles with Google built-in, covering approximately 4 million vehicles in the US.
That makes it one of the largest Gemini deployments in the history of the car industry. If you have one of these vehicles, expect a notification on your infotainment screen when the update is ready.
What can Gemini actually do in your car?
Google Gemini is a generative AI assistant, so it’s far more intelligent and conversational than the Google Assistant, which, at this point, is ready to join the famous Google graveyard.
Gemini understands natural, back-and-forth conversation, and you don’t have to memorize commands. It’s also far more capable. You can ask it to build a road trip playlist that fits your mood, summarize and translate incoming texts and reply to them with your voice, or find eateries along your route, all hands-free.
Commercial drivers get some love, too. Landscapers, technicians, and long-haul drivers can ask Gemini to plan the most fuel-efficient route across multiple stops or find trailer-friendly parking nearby.
Gemini can also tap into popular in-vehicle apps like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and HBO Max, so your entertainment options are covered wherever the road takes you. You can use it to create playlists, summarize your favorite podcasts, and play your favorite shows while waiting in the parking lot.
Is this just the beginning?
Yes, and GM knows it. The company has already teased a more deeply integrated AI assistant later this year, fine-tuned with proprietary vehicle data through its OnStar platform.
To use Gemini, you need to be connected to OnStar, signed into the Google Play Store, and using US English as your assistant language. Once you opt in, just say “Hey Google” and see what your car can do..