The arrival of Gemini on Android Auto promised to improve voice control, but drivers' initial experiences have been quite negative. On forums like Reddit, users describe an assistant that talks too much, doesn't understand commands well, and fails at tasks that were previously resolved with a simple voice command.
The gradual replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini is drawing criticism for its overly conversational behavior. While it can be useful on a mobile device, it becomes a dangerous distraction in the car. Furthermore, glitches in basic actions like playing music or sending messages are leading many to disable Gemini and return to Google Assistant.
Gemini talks too much when you're driving.
The main complaint is that Gemini engages in long and unnecessary conversations . When you request a specific action, the assistant responds with explanations, suggests alternatives, and offers further assistance. This might be useful at home, but while driving, it's a distraction that drivers aren't willing to tolerate.
Furthermore, although you can configure it to give shorter responses, this preference isn't saved. When you turn off the car or restart Android Auto, Gemini reverts to its previous behavior, requiring you to repeat the configuration for every trip. Users feel the system should interpret the command, execute it, and then stop.
Failures when controlling music, messages and navigation
The problems aren't limited to excessive voice commands. Gemini struggles with tasks that the old Google Assistant handled flawlessly. For example, when requesting a specific song, it might mistakenly search for it on a podcast service instead of the configured music platform. It can also interpret the request as a video, something Android Auto blocks while the car is in motion.
Something similar happens with messaging. If you request to send WhatsApp messages using your voice with Gemini to a contact saved with a nickname, the system doesn't always identify the correct person, sometimes selecting email addresses or contacts that have nothing to do with it. And in navigation, requesting an intermediate stop can alter the active route, replacing it or canceling it completely, forcing you to retrace your journey.
The farewell to Google Assistant
Google has confirmed that Google Assistant will no longer be available on most Android devices starting September 4, 2026. This includes Android Auto, where Gemini will become the sole assistant. The migration has already begun, and many users have noticed it without prior notice.
Faced with this situation, drivers have no choice but to adapt to Gemini, although many believe the integration is not yet complete. Google will have to work on updates to fix the bugs and, above all, to make the assistant less chatty and more efficient in the car.
Meanwhile, Android Auto users will have to live with an assistant that, instead of making driving easier, adds stress and distractions. The hope is that Google will listen to the complaints and release an update that restores the usefulness of voice control. Until then, many will choose not to use the assistant or to limit its functions to a minimum.
