GoKawiilAndy Walker / Android Authority
Credit where credit’s due, Android Auto is jam-packed with features, and that’s all thanks to Google’s dedicated development push throughout the years. I remember how clunky and threadbare the driving companion was a few years ago. Now, drivers and passengers can accomplish a wide array of tasks without ever having to get their phones out or even touch the car screen, with even more promised this year.
Despite my appreciation for Android Auto, especially as a daily user, I’m a realist. There are facets of the experience that Google can certainly improve, and one of the most glaring problem areas is its messaging system.
Android Auto, now with the help (or hindrance) of Gemini, makes texting contacts frustrating, distracting, and very often infuriating — and it’s all due to its reluctance to adopt the one feature that’ll remedy it.
How often do you experience issues with Android Auto's messaging system? 13 votes Always 8 % Often 31 % Sometimes 31 % Rarely 15 % Never 15 %
Android Auto lacks voice messaging support, and it’s infuriating
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Google encourages users to control Android Auto with their voices, whether it’s adjusting navigation plans or sending a message to a contact. Given the latter, you’d expect this to include sending voice messages — specifically audio messages recorded by the car or phone’s microphone — but this isn’t the case. Gemini force-transcribes any message sent to contacts, and this leads to all sorts of issues.
You see, Gemini’s dictation efforts are, in a word, dire. The next-generation voice assistant often misunderstands what I ask it to do, and this is exacerbated when I’m dictating a full message. This workflow usually involves multiple time-consuming steps.
The current Android Auto messaging system is a safety risk.
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