People are voicing their concerns about Android Auto's switch to Gemini, and it's not pretty. There are several Reddit threads where people claim that Gemini makes them angrier behind the wheel. Some even suggest that the switch will increase traffic accidents, while others gave up using the voice features of Android Auto entirely.
People miss Google Assistant in Android Auto
It's a rant post on Reddit, but almost everyone in the comments shares the same sentiment. | Image by Reddit
Google Assistant is slowly but steadily walking toward Google's Graveyard, but people seem to miss Gemini's predecessor, especially when it comes to Android Auto.
Google Assistant will officially begin shutting down on mobile devices and wearables starting September 4, 2026, with a gradual rollout taking a few weeks to reach everyone.
However, dissatisfaction with Gemini has been building up in the past months, with users reporting getting distracted, angry, or frustrated when using the AI agent in Android Auto.
Which digital assistant do you like best in Android Auto?
A case of "more is actually less"
Google started rolling out Gemini for Android Auto back in November, 2025. | Image by Google
One of the main issues people have with Gemini in Android Auto is that the AI agent is too chatty. Google has been trying to make Gemini organic and conversational, but the last thing you need when driving is an AI chatterbox.
Google Assistant, on the other hand, works with much simpler commands and doesn't engage in long conversations.
Speaking with an AI takes your attention off the road, and this could be pretty dangerous while driving. But it's not just the chatty nature of Gemini that's driving people crazy.
Gemini fails too often and gives out-of-context options
Reddit is full of comments, detailing failed commands in Android Auto and mocking Gemini. Apparently, Gemini often fails to do what it was told or unnecessarily complicates the conversation, offering unwanted options.
Users on Reddit are not happy with Gemini. | Images by Reddit
One user gave this command to Gemini: "Text my wife, 'I'm picking up dinner, and I will be home by 6," and got from Gemini, "Would you like me to navigate to X restaurant? They take reservations."
Many users report that Gemini couldn't do simple things Assistant was able to perform flawlessly, like playing a song on Spotify. Some even called Gemini on Android Auto a beta test.
Google thinks natural, organic conversations are less distracting
Android Assistant will shut down on September 4, leaving Gemini as the only option in Android Auto. | Image by Google.
Google's argument in favor of the more conversational character trait of Gemini is that natural chat is less distracting. That may be so when you're talking with your buddy in the car, but when you want something done, you need fast and precise operation, not a pointless ramble.
Google Assistant is going away for good, and there's no going back, that's for sure. But maybe Google could tone down Gemini's tendency to be such a motormouth, at least in Android Auto. What do you think about it? Do you prefer Android Assistant or Gemini in your car?
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Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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