Android Auto 15.7 Beta Adds More Homescreen Widgets and Gemini Customization Options (Download)
Google expanded Gemini AI across Pixel phones, Wear OS 6, Google TV, Google Home, and Google Maps. Android Auto has now joined this growing list of AI-powered platforms.
Android Auto received a bunch of new features recently, with new Home Screen widgets and Gemini AI activations for some. Yes, Gemini AI is now available on Android Auto, replacing the native Google Assistant. The Google Assistant has been deprecated in functionality ever since Google announced Gemini AI. More recently, the search giant stated it will completely remove the native assistant code from Android in favor of Gemini. Looks like the day has finally arrived.
Users in the United States have been seeing Gemini on their car head units with the latest Android Auto 15.7 beta. One user got it on their 2014 Nissan X-Trail connected to a Google Pixel 7 running Android 16.
That’s not all; Google is testing custom widgets for Android Auto that enable adding several widgets to Android Auto’s homescreen.
The custom homescreen widgets we showcased previously have also received an upgrade. Android Auto 15.7.654 now allows more customizations to the widgets.
The feature is hidden under EarthCompanion, which can be accessed either through Android Auto settings or on some devices through Activity shortcuts.
As you can see, the homescreen customization now gets new options, including Alignment and Height. You can choose to put the Gemini widget at the top, center, or bottom and set its height to even 50% or 100% to cover the entire sidebar.
This is how it looked before:
Here is the new code we found:
<public type=”string” name=”settings_customize_add_gemini_shortcut_activity_title”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_customize_add_gemini_shortcut_query_helper_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_customize_add_gemini_shortcut_query_hint”/>
The first shortcut available for activation is Google Gemini. However, it may only show up on Google Pixel devices for now.
Apart from the custom widgets, Google is making it easier for Android Auto to reconnect and now shows a notification if your phone is wirelessly connected. A WiFi notification text will be displayed for wireless reconnect or wireless turn-on.
This will make it easier to diagnose connectivity issues on Android Auto. Here is the code we found:
<public type=”string” name=”android_auto_reconnect_wifi_action_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”wireless_reconnect_wifi_notification_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”wireless_turn_on_wifi_notification_title”/>
Another useful feature is getting more information on Android Auto. Instead of just time and body, you will now get time, sender, and body.
<public type=”string” name=”android_auto_screenshot_action_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”time_and_sender_and_body”/>
How to Access Android Auto Homescreen Widgets?
Step 1: Download and install the latest Android Auto 15.6 beta or stable update from below.
Step 2: Install any activity launcher app like Activity Launcher or APK Analyzer.
Step 3: Launch the Activity Launcher app. Search for Android Auto. Inside the app, search for Earth. You will find 3 activities, including Earth Picker, Earth Companion, and Earth Host.
Step 4: Run the Earth Companion. Select the + sign on the top right corner.
Step 5: Select the App you want the widgets for like Gemini.
Step 6: This will show the widgets, limited to one, and a Scale to adjust the size of the widget.
Step 7: The Earth Host activity will show how the widget looks like.
Gemini AI features for Android Auto
Gemini enables drivers to break through language barriers with automatic message translation across more than 40 languages, discover restaurants and points of interest using conversational requests such as “find some good taco places along the way,” retrieve information from reviews and get answers about businesses you’re planning to visit, integrate smoothly with Google Maps, YouTube Music, Spotify, Calendar, and other applications, and even pull up details from your Gmail, like finding the location of your child’s next soccer game.
Gemini: Your AI Co-Pilot on the Road
Google’s sophisticated AI assistant, Gemini, interacts through natural dialogue and smart assistance. Bridge language gaps with automatic message translation across more than 40 languages Find restaurants and attractions along your route using natural requests like “find some good taco places along the way.”
Retrieve review information and answers to common questions about destinations you’re considering. Integrate effortlessly with Google Maps, YouTube Music, Spotify, Calendar, and other platforms. Access information from your Gmail, such as details about your child’s upcoming soccer game.
With Gemini, you can:
- Communicate across language barriers by having messages automatically translated into over 40 different languages
- Search for restaurants or points of interest along your route with natural language queries like “find some good taco places along the way”
- Access information from reviews and answer common questions about businesses you’re interested in visiting
- Connect seamlessly with Google Maps, YouTube Music, Spotify, Calendar, and other apps
- Even locate information buried in your Gmail, such as the location of your child’s upcoming soccer game
Gemini Live: Conversations on the Go
Gemini Live introduces a conversational AI experience designed specifically for driving. Simply say “Hey Google, let’s talk” to engage Gemini in brainstorming or problem-solving discussions.
For instance, while planning a surprise for your partner’s birthday, you could consult Gemini for guidance on your approach. The AI delivers thoughtful suggestions and can refine its recommendations based on follow-up questions like “When is the best time of day for this surprise?”
This feature will roll out to Android Auto-compatible vehicles in the coming months, with availability extending to cars with Google built-in later this year, including models such as the new Lincoln Nautilus, Renault R5, and Honda Passport.
Download Android Auto 15.7 APK
Get the latest Android Auto 15.7.6546 beta 2 from the official Play Store or download the APK from below.
APK Download
Starting with Android 11, Google released apps in Split APKs (multiple APKs) format. This means the app is split into several packages, including the base and config APK files. This resolves the compatibility issue and enables the installation of apps like the Google APK on any Android device with varying DPI, screen resolution, screen size, architecture, and more.
- Android Auto 15.7 beta download
- APK Download (rename .APKM to .ZIP)
- Then Install Split APKS/XAPK/APKM/ZIP using SAI Installer (FOSS)
