Google is preparing a better destination preview for Android Auto. You'll see photos and Gemini summaries directly in your car

Google has been adding features to Android Auto for some time that minimize the need to reach for your phone. Now it looks like Google Maps is preparing to show a significantly richer destination preview – with photos of the place and a summary from Gemini directly on the car’s display.

Today’s preview is rather uninteresting

When you search for a place in Google Maps on your car’s display today, only a sparse card with basic information appears. Tapping the arrow next to the name expands more information – ratings, phone number, parking options, or accessibility, depending on what the place’s profile has filled in. However, you won’t find photos or Gemini summaries on the car’s display yet; these are reserved for the phone application.

Redesigned place card will bring photos and a wealth of information

The new card design was revealed by an analysis of version 17.8 of the app, conducted by Android Authority. The editorial team had to manually enable the unfinished interface, so the final appearance may still change. The estimated arrival time and distance in the design move to a horizontal bar at the bottom, with a handle above it that you can pull up to reveal more information – such as alternative routes and stops.

When you slide the card up further, destination photos, an Overview section, a Good to Know section, and a phone number appear. The photo preview also expands into a separate gallery, allowing you to view the place without reaching for your phone.

Gemini summary will not be missing

The most interesting part is likely the Overview section. This is intended to display a concise summary from Gemini, similar to what you know from Maps on your phone. Tapping it will open a longer page with the complete summary, including address and phone number. The Good to Know section will then offer practical details, such as accessible entry or parking information.

Google is preparing a better destination preview for Android Auto. You'll see photos and Gemini summaries directly in your car Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

In practice, this means you’ll learn more about your destination before you even tap Start – and you won’t have to unlock your phone to do so. Passengers can also appreciate this, as they can browse photos or read the summary without touching your phone.

Why it might not happen yet?

It’s important to keep expectations grounded here. Google has not officially announced any of this yet, and the feature had to be manually activated in the app. The described app teardown typically helps estimate what developers are working on, but it doesn’t guarantee that the design won’t change before release (and in the most pessimistic scenario, of course, there’s a risk that the company will discard it and it won’t make it into the public version of Maps at all).

Would you welcome destination photos and Gemini summaries in your car, or is the current Maps card sufficient for you?

Source: Android Authority, Autoevolution