These Gemini commands made Android Auto much better in my car

Gemini is everywhere, and it's the replacement for Google Assistant — whether we're ready for it or not. Android Auto users are seeing Gemini replace Assistant, and there's no Google platform where a hands-free digital voice assistant. It's important that we touch our car's infotainment screen as little as possible, keeping our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road. With Google Assistant, that wasn't always possible. The outgoing voice helper's inability to consistently complete multi-step or poorly-worded requests made it a subpar solution for your car.

There's no doubt that Gemini is a work-in-progress feature, and in some ways, it fails to match the capabilities of Google Assistant. However, there's also a lot that Gemini does better than Assistant. People often miss out on Gemini's best features because they don't ask the right questions or make the correct commands. These are the commands I use to make Gemini shine in Android Auto, and my driving experience is better for it.

Ask Gemini to avoid highways or toll roads

Use a natural-language command to guide Google Maps

Gemini works best with natural-language prompts, so speak to it like it's a human passenger you're asking to complete a task. Instead of keeping a navigation command simple and editing the route using the screen, say exactly what you're looking for with detailed information.

For example, I said "Hey Google, how do I get to Atlantic City without paying tolls," and Gemini immediately connected to Google Maps. It created a navigation route that avoided tolls with no problem. Throw in specific instructions, like what roads or highways to avoid, and Gemini can craft the perfect route without you lifting a finger.

Have Gemini add a stop along the way

Speak naturally, and ask for a gas station or rest stop on the route

Usually, to add a stop in Google Maps using Android Auto, you might tap a few buttons on the screen or use dictation for part of the process. With Gemini, you can use your voice for almost everything. Using a command like, "Hey Google, add a stop at a rest area," Gemini will find a stop along the route.

It'll present you with a few options, and you can select one with your voice or via the screen. You can also ask follow-up questions, like what amenities are available at each one. These prompts work for any stop; if you're not looking for a rest area, you could ask for a coffee shop, gas station, or something else.

Ask for reviews and business info on the go

Never risk getting to a restaurant after it closes again

When you're trying to find a spot to eat or grab a coffee, Gemini can help. It'll pull up suggested locations nearby and provide directions to them using Google Maps. This isn't new, but what's special about Gemini is that it can answer detailed questions about the places you're considering. You can ask for reviews and ratings or operating hours of a business. Or, get even more specific, and ask things like whether there's parking or if there is a lot. Gemini can tap into Maps and Search data to find the answer to help you pick the right place.

Go live with Gemini to continue chats

Gemini Live is more useful while driving than you'd think

Gemini Live is one of my favorite Gemini upgrades for Android Auto. If you've ever used it on mobile, you know exactly what to expect from it in your car. Gemini Live is a continuous conversation between you and Gemini that becomes a free-flowing chat. Instead of saying "Hey Google" every time you have a question, you can say, "Hey Google, let's talk live" to start Gemini Live.

Then, you can talk about anything you'd like. I can see Gemini Live coming in handy on the road as a personal study helper or interview coach before a big test or job interview. Don't get me wrong, it's not as good as talking to a real person. But could it help you kill time on a road trip or get a few extra minutes of exam prep in? Definitely.

Check public transit times on the road

Find out when the last train is leaving while driving with Gemini

Gemini's access to real-time web data, and its ability to answer questions about that information in natural language, makes it ideal for everyday planning. Let's say you're driving to a park-and-ride train or bus station, and you want to figure out when the next or last train leaves. You can ask Gemini for the answer, and it'll state it plainly. You can ask follow-ups to better plan your trip, check schedules, or get status updates. Of course, Gemini might not always have the latest information. However, you can't pull out your phone to check schedules while driving, and that makes using Gemini the next best thing.

There are even more ways to use Gemini in your car

Depending on how deep into the Google ecosystem you are, and how often you use Android Auto in your car, there's even more you can use Android Auto for. YouTube Music subscribers can ask Gemini to make AI-generated playlists on the fly while using Android Auto. State the vibe of the music you want to hear, and Gemini will start playing the custom playlist via YouTube Music. If you text people using Gemini in your car in different languages, the assistant can remember to always text a specific person in a certain language. These are clever things Gemini can do in your car that Assistant never could.

I usually stick to navigation-related questions, and Gemini is amazing at those. With Google Assistant, you had to get every word of your command right, or it could fail. You might have had to break up multiple requests into separate queries, or pull over and use your phone if something didn't work. Gemini is much more forgiving, and that's what makes it a great driving assistant.