ENHANCING THE IN-CAR EXPERIENCE WITH GEMINI, GOOGLE’S AI ASSISTANT, NOW AVAILABLE WITH OPENR LINK

• Renault openR link with Google built-in is a multimedia system delivering a seamless, scalable and continuously evolving connected experience
• Gemini – your AI assistant from Google – is being rolled out gradually across all brand vehicles featuring this system
• As part of a gradual deployment that began on 15 June via an over-the-air update for vehicles already on the road, Gemini is available to customers as an opt-in upgrade to Google Assistant
• Gemini expands the range of services available on openR link. Designed to interact more naturally with drivers and passengers, Gemini will be able to understand the context of a conversation, answer questions more effectively and handle complex requests
• Gemini delivers an even simpler, smoother and more intuitive in-car experience for the driver and passengers, allowing drivers to focus on the road

OpenR link with Google built-in is a multimedia system delivering an intuitive, optimised connected experience ranked as one of the best on the market. Updated automatically and continuously enhanced since its launch in 2022 on Megane E-Tech electric, it features:

• New apps (HBO Max, Amazon Music, Waze, SongPop for Renault, Canal+, etc.)
• New functions in Google Maps, including some for electric vehicles

Gemini will be rolled out gradually as an opt-in upgrade to Google Assistant on all Renault models already on the road, fitted with openR link with Google built-in. The system is available across the entire European range, from Twingo to Rafale, as well as on international models such as Boreal or Duster in India.

A gradual roll-out on vehicles already on the road
The initial phase of the Gemini roll-out began on 15 June in all the countries where Renault is present. The first users are invited to opt-in to Gemini directly from the central display in the cabin, if they are signed in to a Google Account. The update is free and does not affect the duration of the connectivity offer. This roll-out is based on:

• Over-the-air updates, meaning that it uses the native connectivity of Renault vehicles and does not require a visit to the garage
• An “opt-in” function allowing customers to choose whether or not to enable Gemini
• A gradual roll-out across all compatible vehicles, in line with the thirteen languages available and the version of openR link

The enhanced openR link multimedia system is available at no extra cost to customers logging on with a Google Account and using a compatible language. The user decides whether or not to enable Gemini. They can also return to Google Assistant at any time.

A new generation in-car AI assistant
Gemini represents a major leap forwards in onboard voice assistants. Powered by Google’s AI technology it is able to:

• Understand the context of a conversation and the intentions of users
• Handle requests of greater complexity
• Engage in natural, continuous conversations

This means that drivers can speak naturally, without having to memorise specific phrases. Gemini is like an additional virtual passenger, able to interact with all the vehicle’s occupants. 

Users will also be able to enable “Gemini Live” for advanced conversational interaction. This feature will be available in a future update, allowing users to:

• Engage in natural free-flowing conversations
• Interrupt the assistant at any time
• Make several requests in a row without repeating the phrase “Hey Google”
• Switch languages during a conversation

Full integration with the vehicle and the Google ecosystem
Unlike the version available with Android Auto^™, Gemini on openR link allows users to:

• Control some vehicle functions directly (air conditioning, navigation, radio, settings, etc.)
• Use vehicle data, such as EV range, for route planning

Interactions with the vehicle can also be accessed on other devices linked to the same Google Account, for a seamless experience.

A streamlined experience designed for safety and comfort
By enabling more complex voice-controlled tasks and reducing the need for touch-based interaction, Gemini is able to:

• minimise driver distraction, maintaining a focus on the road
• simplify access to vehicle functions
• improve everyday comfort and convenience

Fully integrated with the vehicle and the Google ecosystem, Gemini is able to respond to real-life situations. This means that it can carry out several tasks in a row without further interaction.

• Intelligent, context-aware navigation
  “Hey Google, take me to Paris but avoid the ring road”
  → Gemini analyses the context and suggests an appropriate solution
• Voice-controlled vehicle functions (radio, heated seats, etc.)
  “It’s cold in here, turn up the heating”
  → The system automatically adjusts the temperature
• Access to information, general knowledge and content while on the road (in “Gemini Live” mode):
  “Hey Google. It’s very hot today. What’s the best way to cut fuel consumption: opening the windows or turning on the aircon?”
  “Tell my 8-year-old son a story about cars and dinosaurs”
  “Create a quiz on the history of Paris for adults and teenagers”
  “What are the results of yesterday’s football world cup matches?" 
  → The system is able to answer open-ended questions as well as requests for general information, media articles and news

An increasingly rich, multilingual and scalable experience
OpenR link with Google built-in is a scalable multimedia system delivering an increasingly rich and intuitive connected experience anywhere in the world. Right from launch, Gemini will support thirteen languages rolling out gradually to all users: English, French, German, Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Danish, Norwegian and Turkish. Gemini will help Renault to deliver the same experience for all customers across all the markets where its vehicles are sold with this system. Other languages will be available at a later date.

Renault customers will have access to further upgrades over the long term, with over-the-air updates that do not involve taking the car to the garage. Designed as a scalable AI platform, Gemini receives:

• Continuous upgrades via automatic updates
• Enriched capacities and language skills
• New features over time

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ABOUT RENAULT
Renault is the world’s leading French car brand, building on over a century of innovation to develop voitures à vivre based on desirable design with useful, people-first technologies and electrified powertrains that make no compromises on driving pleasure. Designed as living spaces, Renault vehicles are made for everyday living. Having initiated on an in-depth transformation with the Renaulution plan, the brand is now beginning a new strategic cycle with futuREady, a plan to boost its competitive edge and deliver long-term performance, both in Europe and internationally. This ambition is based on desirable products and increased international momentum, as well as on a pragmatic two-pillar approach to electrification – 100 % hybrid and 100 % electric – in order to support the energy transition at any pace of progress.

For further information, please visit www.press.renault.co.uk or @RenaultUKPR or contact:
Jim Holder
Director of Communications
jim.holder@renault.co.uk – 07779 227930

Christian Tilbury
Press Relations Manager
christian.tilbury@renault.co.uk – 07759 122784