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Google Gemini will arrive in GM vehicles in 2026, bringing conversational AI that can tap into car data, suggest routes and even pre-condition the cabin. GM says the upgrade will be available over the air to millions of OnStar-equipped cars dating back to 2015.
What Gemini brings to your car
Imagine asking the vehicle about a strange noise and getting a clear diagnosis, or having the cabin warmed up on a cold morning before you step inside. GM says Gemini will do just that. The new assistant uses Google’s large language models to deliver more natural, flexible voice interactions than older assistants that rely on rigid command phrases.
- Maintenance alerts: access to vehicle telemetry to flag potential problems and recommend action.
- Smart route planning: contextual navigation suggestions integrated with Google Maps data.
- Feature guidance: explain vehicle functions and settings in plain language.
- Vehicle controls: remote actions like adjusting climate controls before entry.
- Web integration: ask about nearby landmarks or points of interest, such as the history of a bridge you are crossing.
GM points out that large language models are less brittle than previous voice assistants. As GM VP Dave Richardson put it, these models aren’t as tripped up by accents or slightly off phrasing, which should reduce driver frustration and make hands-free control more reliable.
Privacy, rollout and GM's bigger roadmap
The Gemini assistant will be delivered through the Play Store as an over-the-air upgrade for OnStar-equipped vehicles from model year 2015 and newer. It replaces the current Google built-in experience, while promising improved performance and conversational depth.
Privacy is top of mind after GM faced scrutiny for selling some OnStar Smart Driver data to insurers. The FTC banned GM from selling driver data for five years. GM says the Gemini integration will be privacy-focused, with controls that let drivers decide what vehicle information the assistant can access and use.
Beyond Gemini, GM revealed plans at its GM Forward event for a 2028 rollout of a self-driving platform and a proprietary computing platform. Those moves will coincide with a gradual phaseout of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over the next few years as GM shifts to its own software ecosystem.
In short, Gemini promises a sharper, more conversational in-car assistant for millions of GM owners — but its success will depend on seamless rollout and clear privacy protections.
Source: engadget
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