Google appears to be working on one new animation dedicated to Gemini within Android Auto. The novelty was identified by analyzing the latest version of the Android Auto app, the 17.9.664004and could update the assistant interface when using in the car.
Currently, when Gemini is active on Android Auto, a subtle light effect appears at the bottom or side of the infotainment screen, depending on the position of the taskbar. The effect signals that the assistant is listening. When the user starts speaking, the Gemini Live and close buttons are removed from the interface.
The new animation, still in the development phase, introduces the aesthetic language Neural Expressive already used by Google in other Gemini experiences, including the Gemini overlay and Circle to Search. The interface would display a series of dots around the assistant area and extend across the entire width of the screen.
Gemini on Android Auto: new design and development
In the new design, i buttons to close the interface and to access Gemini Live would remain instead on the sides of the area dedicated to animation. The feature was activated by the authors of the analysis on one device to preview what the new experience might look like, but it is not yet officially available to users.
Google is also continuing to develop a feature called “Customization” For Gemini on Android Auto. Strings spotted in the app suggest that this option will allow the Assistant to use information from previous conversations and connected apps, such as Gmail and Google Calendarshowing personal results on the car screen when the function is active.
Both the new animation and Personalization are still in development and Google has not indicated when, or if, they will be distributed publicly. Analyzing an APK can provide insights into future features based on code in progress, but it doesn’t guarantee that these new features will make it into the final version of Android Auto.
