Overview
- Waymo has integrated Google’s Gemini as an optional, voice‑activated in‑cab assistant in its purpose‑built Ojai vehicles to let riders control cabin features and ask for local information by speaking or tapping the Gemini icon.
- Waymo says Gemini is independent from the Waymo Driver and remains inactive until a passenger chooses to engage it, a boundary Waymo frames as a safety and privacy safeguard.
- Waymo’s rider UI has been redesigned with three coordinated cabin screens and a new Calm Mode that dims displays and simplifies trip information to offer a lower‑stimulation ride.
- Reporting supplements Waymo’s announcement by saying Gemini cannot access real‑time driving telemetry or control routing or movement, and that passengers can request the vehicle be pulled over, though Waymo’s official post emphasized the separation of systems rather than listing those operational details.
- Waymo presents these changes as part of preparing Ojai for broader public service and to add hands‑free personalization, with further conversational features planned as the company expands driverless operations.