Here in the automotive industry, we have grown accustomed to what is known as static technology. In other words, once a vehicle leaves the assembly line, its hardware and software are typically locked in time. Unlike your phone, which can receive real-time updates to enhance its performance (and auto-download a ton of spammy games), your vehicle has historically remained the same since you drove it off the lot.

And although automakers have increasingly leveraged over-the-air (OTA) updates, it is still somewhat rare for a car to receive a fundamental upgrade to its primary user interface years after its release.

General Motors is doing just that as part of a rollout targeting approximately four million vehicles. The Detroit automaker is bringing Google Gemini functionality to customers who own a 2022 model year or newer GM vehicle. GM is moving away from command-based voice systems that have historically frustrated drivers, providing a welcome update to its customer base without requiring them to trade for a new vehicle.

Say it again (and again)

In-vehicle voice commands are anything but intuitive

Credit: alexlucru123 | Envato Elements

If you have ever repeated an address multiple times to your navigation system, only for it not to understand, you aren’t alone. In fact, if you have completely given up on using voice commands in your vehicle, despite how such functionality may have been a selling point at the dealership, you are not alone.

According to JD Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, infotainment systems are nearly twice as problematic as any other category in a vehicle, with voice recognition systems being especially fickle. Consumers expressed a similar sentiment around larger touchscreens and the lack of physical buttons in JD Power’s 2025 version of the study.

In theory, voice commands should make driving easier and safer, although current systems still struggle with background and road noise and require a specific, memorized syntax to function.

Related

Before touchscreens became the standard, BMW, Saab, and Lexus got it right

Better than a generic tablet glued to the dashboard.

Doesn’t just hear your words

Understands your current intentions

Credit: General Motors

To solve this, GM is replacing the traditional assistant with Google Gemini. Unlike the existing generation of voice recognition tech, which is listening for trigger words to execute a task, Gemini is a multimodal AI. In essence, Gemini was designed from the beginning to understand natural language, context, and complex reasoning.

If you have used Google Gemini on your phone, you may notice how it doesn’t only hear your words; it understands your intent at that exact moment. For example, I have uploaded photos of vegetables to Gemini to see if they are spoiling. Gemini understands that I am cooking in my kitchen, going so far as to recommend a recipe for a head of broccoli that is “still good, but getting close.”

Inside the vehicle, Gemini can handle a driver’s follow-up questions or shift topics mid-sentence, moving the experience from pre-set phrases to a fluid conversation.

Front Camera Resolution

1080p

Security

24H Parking Mode

This tiny Nexar dash cam sits comfortably behind your rear-view mirror and captures footage in 1080p. It also features GPS for geo-tagging videos.

How Google Gemini works in the vehicle

Safety and quality of life upgrades

Gemini is available with Google built-in through the GM vehicle’s infotainment system, accessed with natural, conversational phrases after a “Hey Google” prompt. Here are some examples:

• Contextual Conversations: You can ask for directions to any nearby point of interest (gas station, post office, shopping mall) and then follow up with, “Is there a coffee shop with food on the way that has good reviews?” Gemini can process this without losing sight of your original destination.

• Text Messages: Gemini can summarize incoming texts and help draft hands-free replies. In this context, Gemini understands conversational replies like, “Tell mom I’m bringing cake but ask if I also need to pick up ice cream,” or “Tell Stacia I am available to pet sit this weekend and add a cat emoji.”

• Commercial and Heavy-Duty Support: Gemini integration will provide better support for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra customers. For example, owners can have Gemini locate trailer-friendly parking or analyze multi-stop routes before departing for optimal fuel efficiency.

GM’s integration of Gemini offers a safety benefit as the less time you spend looking at the infotainment screen (or your phone), the better.

There is also the perspective that GM is providing a “quality of life” upgrade for its customer base. For example, the Gemini update rolled out by GM can help you prepare for an important meeting with a prompt like “Hey Google, I need to give a presentation, what are tips to keep from getting nervous?” or “Hey Google, can you help me plan a surprise getaway for my wedding anniversary?”

Eligibility and how to get the update

The rollout applies to 2022 model year and newer Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles equipped with Google built-in. GM’s latest Gemini update lives within the vehicle itself, drawing on the internal software and OnStar connectivity for a deeper level of system integration.

To ensure your GM vehicle is ready, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Connectivity: Your GM vehicle must be connected to OnStar.

• Access: Sign into the Google Play Store on your vehicle’s head unit.

• Language: Make sure your assistant language is set to US English.

The Gemini upgrade will be delivered over several months via an automatic update to all eligible GM vehicles. When it is ready for your vehicle, a notification will appear on the infotainment screen.