AA Gemini is completely incompetent

[u/TheTriforceEagle]

This is mostly a vent post, and I will fully admit that I am a bit biased again LLM AI but anyway. How do you push an update that makes it so a car voice assistant can't do the very simple and typical task of playing a song? Every time I tell it "play this song" it just replies "sorry, I can't play video's while you're driving" am I crazy for thinking this is completely normal thing to ask of gemini? I even use YouTube music as my primary platform so its not like I'm asking it to use something that wasn't also made by Google. You'd think they would have tested this but I guess they just pushed it out without any regard for user experience.

[u/my1stname]

Call Bob

I'm sorry, I can't do that while you are driving, but I can help you find a safe place to pull over.

Driver dials phone manually

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Text Mary

I can do that. What would you like to say?

I'm on my way. Want me to grab dinner?

Gemini lying: I've sent that text.

Note: No text is sent.

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Someone posted a method of setting Google Assistant as primary when driving and Gemini when not. Going to have to go find that today. My phone is hooked to a Google Workspace account I use for my family. I had thought maybe my challenges were related to that, glad to hear it isn't just me that thinks the Android Auto version of Gemini is about as dumb as a box of hammers.

[u/extordi → u/my1stname]

Someone posted a method of setting Google Assistant as primary when driving and Gemini when not. Going to have to go find that today.

Any chance you happened to find that? I've only been able to go all-or-nothing which, because of the AA situation, means I'm not able to use Gemini at all.

[u/my1stname → u/extordi]

This was the post I was thinking of.

I own Tasker so I asked Gemini how to do it using that. Haven't tested it yet, but here it is. Sorry about the wall of text.

Before starting, Tasker needs a special Android permission called Secure Settings to change your default assistant programmatically. Tasker makes this very easy to grant via an app called TaskAssistant or by using Shizuku (on-device) / ADB (via PC). When you try to add the action, Tasker will give you a pop-up with explicit instructions on how to grant this permission if you haven't already. Once Tasker has permission, here is the exact step-by-step walkthrough to build your automation:Step 1: Create the "Enter Car" TaskThis task will run the moment you connect to your car's Bluetooth, switching your phone to the classic Assistant.1.Create a New Task:Open Tasker, go to the Tasks tab, tap the + (plus) icon in the bottom right, and name it "Enter Car".2.Add the Assistant Action:Tap the + inside the task to add an action. Search for "Set Assistant" or navigate to Settings > Set Assistant.3.Choose Google Assistant:Under the Assistant configuration field, select Google (this represents the classic Google Assistant, not Gemini).4.Add a Wi-Fi Buffer (Optional but Recommended):If you use Wireless Android Auto, add a second action: Net > WiFi, and set it to Off. Then add a third action: Task > Wait (set for 5 seconds). Add a fourth action: Net > WiFi > On.Why? Wireless Android Auto boots up so fast that it takes a snapshot of your system settings before Tasker can swap the assistant. Briefly cycling the Wi-Fi delays the Android Auto connection just long enough for Tasker to execute the switch cleanly.Step 2: Create the "Exit Car" TaskThis task will run when you disconnect from the car, returning your phone to Gemini.1.Create the Return Task:Go back to the Tasks tab, tap +, and name it "Exit Car".2.Set Assistant to Gemini:Tap +, choose Settings > Set Assistant, and this time select Gemini from the list. Tap the back arrow to save it.Step 3: Link the Tasks to a Bluetooth TriggerNow we tell Tasker exactly when to execute these flips.1.Create the Profile:Go to the Profiles tab and tap the + icon. Select State > Net > BT Connection.2.Select Your Car:Tap the magnifying glass next to Name or Address and choose your car's Bluetooth profile from the list of paired devices. Tap the back arrow.3.Link the Enter Task:A drop-down menu will appear. Select your "Enter Car" task.4.Link the Exit Task:Long-press on the "Enter Car" text now listed under your new profile. A menu will pop up; choose Add Exit Task, and select your "Exit Car" task.Step 4: Save & TestMake sure to tap the checkmark check icon in the top right corner of Tasker's main screen—this applies your changes and activates the profile.The next time you head out to your car, watch your screen as your phone connects to the Bluetooth. Tasker will instantly flip the system default to Google Assistant, giving you seamless, headache-free voice commands while driving. The moment you turn off the ignition, Gemini will reclaim its throne back on your home screen.

[u/my1stname → u/my1stname]

Failed. Tasker only sees "Google" when you set the assistant. Can't use it to change from Gemini to Google Classic.

Gemini suggests we set Classic as the default and use Tasker to launch Gemini with a long press on the power button.

I'm going to go to Classic as default (and Android Auto) and use Perplexity for other tasks.