Good conversation, smart music … oh, and directions. (GM)

Audio chat interface Google Gemini will be installed in some General Motors cars, elevating the company’s vehicle software platform. The upgrade will replace the existing Google Assistant.

The value pitch here is a more natural conversation relationship between driver and automobile, going way beyond mapping and directions. GM offers these allures: “Talk to Gemini about the skyline as you drive past it. You can debate big ideas, explore random curiosities, and even send texts translated in different languages — all while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Conversationally, Gemini promises a natural back and forth, as opposed to AI-typical (and increasingly old-fashioned) commands.

In-car Gemini will also bring conversational intelligence to radio use. Drivers can ask for music that matches scenery, or a podcast episode that fits into the remaining trip time. Gemini will also summarize a podcast episode when asked to do so, potentially putting a pain point in podcast listening metrics.

GM’s Cadillac gets Dolby Atmos for high-def listening.

And if you just need a travel companion, there’s a command for that too: “Hey Google, let’s talk.”

These and a few more upgrade features are starting to roll out now, to more than four million eligible vehicles (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC) built in 2022 and later.