A few days ago, Google finally announced the Assistant for Android Auto. You’d forgiven to think wasn’t it already available, because after all, you could say OK Google till now too, but in reality, that was Google Voice search, as the power of Assistant arrives only now.

So, let’s take a look at what new features the Google Assistant for Android Auto gets us.

Related: How to get Google Assistant for cars

Google Assistant features for Android Auto

At CES 2018, the search giant officially announced that Google Assistant is coming to Android Auto. That means you will soon be able to play music on Spotify, get directions from Google Maps, or check out news from your car.

On top of that, you will also be able to perform new tasks such as controlling your connected lights at home before getting off your vehicle.

On top of those experiences, Google also confirmed that it plans to add more services to Android Auto through Google Assistant in the future, including the ability to reserve a parking space and place orders ahead of your arrival on Starbucks.

Google noted that Android Auto is accessible in tens of millions of cars on more than 400 models built by over 40 brands, including Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Volvo. With a growing number of vehicles equipped with Android Auto, that means you can use Google Assistant to lock your car doors on other devices or check your fuel levels, for example.

‘The best Google assistant powered headphones‘

The right place

It just makes perfect sense for Google Assistant to arrive on your car via Android Auto. For one, it helps to keep you safe on your way home or when driving for work. A hands-free experience provides a lot of conveniences when you’re behind the wheels.

By just saying “Hey Google” and then start off with whatever you’d typically ask your smartphone or smart speaker, you can easily ask for directions, send messages, set reminders, make navigation-related queries and other tasks with fear of running into an accident. That is thanks to Google Assistant’s great voice recognition and other capabilities.

There’s no doubt Google Assistant was among the highlights at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, and Google is certainly expected to continue expanding its artificial intelligence technology to more devices and vehicles going forward.