Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Aug 13
Google Faces September Gemini Fix Deadline as Android Auto Calling Failures Raise Safety Risk
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Aug 13

Google Faces September Gemini Fix Deadline as Android Auto Calling Failures Raise Safety Risk

2 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Aug 13

Summary

  • September will leave Android users with Gemini alone for hands-free calling, even as voice-call requests on Android Auto still fail repeatedly, according to the latest report.
  • June 2026 already brought a "Something went wrong" bug affecting Gemini calling on Android and Android Auto, and the report says clearing cache or storage does not solve the in-car failure.
  • Android Auto makes the problem more acute because drivers may need Google Maps at the same time, leaving them to disconnect the system, use steering-wheel controls, or place calls manually.
  • 3,208 people died in U.S. distracted-driving crashes in 2024, a backdrop the report cites in arguing Google should either keep Assistant available or fix Gemini before the September cutoff.

Insights

Will Google's forced September AI upgrade turn your car's safe hands-free system into a dangerous driving distraction?
Why is Google's highly advanced AI struggling with a basic phone call that its predecessor mastered years ago?