As Google pushes its new AI assistant, Gemini, to more vehicles via Android Auto, early adopters are discovering that the future of hands-free driving has a bit of a stutter. While Gemini Live is designed to offer natural, back-and-forth conversations, a recent bug is causing the assistant to fall into an awkward, infinite loop that makes it almost impossible to use with Android Auto while on the road.
Audio bug breaks Gemini Live’s Conversation Mode in Android Auto
The issue first gained traction on the r/AndroidAuto subreddit. The original post shows Gemini starting a sentence, stopping abruptly to “listen,” and then attempting to restart the same thought over and over. It is like if the assistant is so eager to hear what you have to say that it mistakes its own voice for yours.
The result is a frustrating cycle: the AI speaks, detects its own audio, pauses to let you speak, and then resumes the original thought when it realizes you haven’t said anything. For drivers who rely on voice commands to keep their eyes on the road, this is a functional dead end.
The Bluetooth lag factor
Some early theories said that the glitch only happened with custom car setups. One user said that their Bluetooth module caused a 3-4 second audio delay, which probably messed up the AI’s “listening” mode. But as more reports come in, it looks like the problem is more common.
Drivers using standard, built-in Bluetooth systems and even those running the regular Gemini app through Android Auto have reported similar behavior. This suggests that the problem might lie in how Gemini handles audio latency and echo cancellation within a car’s cabin.
This glitch comes at a critical moment for Google. The company is currently replacing the reliable Google Assistant with Gemini, promising a more “human” and natural interaction style. Features like Gemini Live are meant to feel like talking to a passenger. But a passenger that constantly interrupts themselves is quickly shown the door.
Furthermore, unlike using a phone at home, troubleshooting in a car is a safety issue. Drivers cannot easily restart apps or fiddle with settings while navigating traffic. If a voice assistant fails to work properly, most users will simply turn it off. Plus, they might be hesitant to try it again.
Looking for a fix
This isn’t the first time Gemini has struggled with loops. But the Android Auto bug is much more disruptive to daily life. Google typically moves fast to patch these types of interaction errors. This is especially true when they affect a platform as vital as Android Auto.
For now, some users have found that lowering the volume slightly can prevent Gemini from “hearing” itself. However, until a permanent software update arrives, you might find that your newest co-pilot is a little too interested in its own voice.
The post Gemini Live Bug on Android Auto Causes Loops While Talking to Itself appeared first on Android Headlines.
