3 Android Auto automations that simplify daily drives

Android Auto automations that simplify daily drives">

Android Automations have been around for years, and they're one of my favorite ways to both save time and make sure I don't forget little things. Over the past few months, though, I've discovered an even more useful scenario -- automations for Android Auto. Most of us have little things we do every time we get in the car -- fire up the GPS, start a podcast or playlist, and let someone know we're on the way.

Setting automations or routines is the perfect way to wrap up all of these little tasks into a quick command. What makes this even better is that you can incorporate your routines into Android Auto by giving them a dedicated button on the launcher or by setting "Connect to Bluetooth" as the trigger. The automations work through Gemini.

You can set up routines for a number of different devices and actions, and you can chain together as many as you want. Here's a look at the ones I use almost every day, and how you can make your own. Heading home: This is probably my most-used automation.

No matter if I'm heading home from running errands, picking up the kids, or finishing a road trip, I'm just ready to get home most of the time. I let Gemini handle the little things I like to do each time, like texting my wife that I'm on the way, setting Maps, and turning down the AC. My whole rundown includes: Text Hannah: "I'm heading home" and include my ETA Enable driving mode (to limit distractions) Navigate home and tell me about it (this doesn't just open Maps, it tells you an ETA so you can know if there's something unexpected) Start my drive: I only use this one for morning drives when I'm starting my day, like when I'm taking the kids to school.

I'll have Gemini tell me what events or tasks I have, give me a rundown of the weather, and shut down my house. Text Hannah: "I picked up the kids" and include my ETA To get started, head to your phone's Settings app and search for routines. Even though Gemini has replaced Google Assistant , the settings you're looking for will show up under Assistant.

You should see a page that lists routines, including the default ones like Bedtime, Commuting home, and Good morning. The easiest way to set up your own automations is to build off one of those. Tap any one, and you'll be able to change the actions it handles.

The typical way is to trigger these using your voice -- something like, "Hey Google, let's go to work." But if there's one you'll use all the time, you can set it as a shortcut on your launcher so you can just tap that icon. Go to the Settings app and search for Android Auto. Tap "Additional settings in the app" and look for "Customize Launcher." Choose "Add a shortcut to the launcher" and then "A Gemini action." When you enter the command you want to give Gemini, you can make this as simple or as complex as you want.