What actually changed: The end of Google Assistant in the car

In November 2025, Google officially launched Gemini as the successor to Google Assistant in Android Auto. Today, in June 2026, Gemini is globally available in 45 languages including Czech — and Czech language support is exactly what makes it crucial for local drivers. While Google Assistant required precise phrases ("Navigate to Prague, Vyšehradská 12"), Gemini understands context. You can say "Hey, let's go to grandma's, but stop for pizza on the way" — and it will understand what you want.

To activate it, just say "Hey Google", tap the microphone icon on the car display, or hold the voice control button on the steering wheel. The only requirement: you need the Gemini app installed on your phone and an active connection to Android Auto. When Gemini is available, you'll see a notification tooltip on the car display.

According to Google's official blog, Android Auto is available in more than 250 million cars worldwide. In the Czech Republic, it's one of the most widely used platforms for connecting a phone to the in-car system — from Škoda to Volkswagen to Hyundai.

1. Gemini as a smart navigator and local guide

Forget manually tapping into the navigation. Gemini's greatest strength in the car lies in conversational route and place searching. Say, for example: "Hey Google, I suddenly feel like barbecue. Can you find something along the route that's open and close to the destination?" Gemini searches Google Maps, offers options, and you just say where you want to go.

Thanks to deep integration with Google Maps, the AI can also answer follow-up questions — ask what dishes are most popular at the restaurant, whether the place is dog-friendly, or what its reviews are like. You can even ask for information about an entire area: "We're passing through Karlštejn — tell me something interesting about the castle." Gemini turns into an impromptu tour guide.

For electric car drivers, there's another benefit: Gemini can find a charging station with sufficient power and nearby restaurants so you can eat while charging. All by voice, without taking your eyes off the road.

2. Messages and emails: Your office on wheels

One of the most useful features is access to emails via Gmail right while driving. Gemini can search your inbox, find a hotel reservation, pull up the address, and immediately start navigation. A real-life example: "Hey Google, I have a hotel reservation in my email for today. Find the address and navigate me there."

It can just as easily summarize unread emails, so you won't miss important messages without reaching for your phone. You can also ask about specific things — like when a package you ordered will arrive, or whether you received a discount code from your favorite online store.

As for messages, Gemini can send SMS and chat messages in more than 40 languages. Instead of precise dictation, just say: "Text Honza that I'll arrive late because of traffic, add the estimated arrival time and a sad emoji." Gemini composes the message, translates it, and sends it — and you can keep driving.

3. Productivity on the go: Calendar, tasks, and notes

Gemini in Android Auto isn't just about communication. It can work with Google Calendar, Google Tasks, Google Keep, and selected Samsung apps (Calendar, Reminders, Notes). While driving, you can:

• Create a reminder: "Remind me tomorrow at 9 to call the service center."
• Add a task: "Add a task to buy an anniversary gift."
• Schedule a meeting: "Create a calendar event for Friday at three."

What previously required stopping and pulling out your phone, you can now handle while driving — safely and by voice. Google promises that support for additional third-party apps will be added over time.

4. DJ Gemini: Music by mood and weather

Android Auto locks the keyboard and limits scrolling while driving — which is exactly why voice-controlled music via Gemini is so handy. And it works great with YouTube Music, Spotify, and other services.

The best part is that you don't need to know the exact name of a song or playlist. Try, for example: "Hey Google, I have a seven-hour drive ahead of me. Make me a playlist that's energetic but also kid-friendly." Or more poetically: "It's raining. Play songs that fit a rainy drive." Gemini generates a custom playlist — and you can tweak it on the fly with further voice commands.

It also works the other way around: want a specific version of a song? Say "Play the Spanish version of Yankee Rose by David Lee Roth" and Gemini will find it. You can also switch between specific XM radio stations if you have satellite radio.

5. Conversational companion for long trips

The last, but perhaps most entertaining way to use it: Gemini Live, the continuous conversation mode. When you say "Hey Google, let's chat," Gemini switches to an uninterrupted conversation mode. You can talk about anything — from the history of the city you're passing through to gift ideas for your parents' anniversary.

A practical example: you're driving to a wedding in Brno. You say: "Hey Google, tell me something interesting about Brno," and after a while continue: "Thanks, now change of topic — tonight is the rehearsal dinner at the bride's parents' house. What should I bring them as a small gift?" And once you've chosen: "Great, now let's practice the wedding speech I have on Saturday."

Important: during Live conversation, you don't have to repeat "Hey Google" before every sentence. Gemini maintains context and responds naturally — almost as if a passenger were sitting next to you.

How to set up Gemini in Android Auto and what you need

Getting started is simple: install the Gemini app from Google Play and make sure your phone is switched from Google Assistant to Gemini. The next time you connect your phone to Android Auto, you'll see a notification on the car display that Gemini is available. If you don't see the tooltip, update both the Android Auto and Gemini apps to the latest version.

Czech language support is full-fledged — Gemini understands Czech voice commands and responds in Czech. This is a significant change from before, when Google Assistant in Czech only worked to a limited extent. Today, you can speak to Gemini in Czech as naturally as in English.

The only limitation: Gemini in Android Auto currently does not work via Apple CarPlay — it's exclusively an Android ecosystem feature. If you use an iPhone, you're stuck with Siri or Google Assistant within CarPlay.

What the near future holds

At Google I/O in May 2026, Google confirmed further investments in Gemini Intelligence across the Android ecosystem. While Android Auto wasn't specifically featured in the June Android Drop, the trend is clear — Gemini is becoming the central intelligence for all Android devices, from phones to watches to cars. More third-party app support and deeper integration with automotive systems directly from manufacturers are expected during 2026.

For Czech drivers, this means one thing: if you use Android and Android Auto, Gemini can already significantly ease your travels. And it's only going to get better.