Good news for buyers of the All-New MAZDA CX-5 as it now comes with “Google built-in, in Japanese specifications and this means it now supports .

The update is directly aimed at the redesigned third-generation Mazda CX-5. Early production models that shipped with standard Google Assistant will receive an over-the-air notification to transition to Gemini through Google Play.

This third-generation model builds upon an important name for Mazda. Since its debut in 2012, CX-5 has showcased key values and aspects of Mazda’s identity, like SkyActiv technology and Kodo design, to many customers. With over 4.5 million units sold globally in that time, its success is undeniable.

The update is available free of charge through Google Play. With Gemini, customers can operate vehicle functions and access information hands-free simply by speaking naturally, just as they would in everyday conversation.Mazda pursues human-centered vehicle development, aiming to balance the “Joy of Driving” with safety and peace of mind by creating an environment that supports drivers and enables them to focus on driving without strain.

To achieve this, Mazda is developing a human-machine interface designed to minimise the driver’s eye movement and operational burden. The addition of this advanced voice control functionality is part of that effort.

Gemini is an advanced AI assistant that enables natural, everyday conversation. Since it responds based on the flow of the conversation and the customer’s intent, there is no need to memorise specific voice commands.

Simply by speaking, drivers can intuitively search for destinations and routes, adjust the air conditioning, play music, and more all without taking their eyes or attention off the road ahead, thereby supporting an environment where drivers can concentrate on driving. Furthermore, through conversation, you can find places to stop that match your current mood or purpose, bringing new discoveries and encounters to your daily travels.

Mazda will continue to pursue the “Joy of Driving” under its core value of “Radically Human,” and aim to deliver the “Joy of Living” by creating moving mobility experiences in customers’ daily lives.

Gemini provides natural and intuitive voice control through the following features.

In addition to setting destinations in Google Maps, find stopovers that match your mood or purpose. Simply speak to set navigation, get destination details and real-time traffic information, and check your estimated time of arrival. You can also ask “Gemini” to find places that meet specific criteria, such as “a highly rated café with outdoor seating along the route.”

Adjust vehicle settings, such as the air conditioning, hands-free operation

You can control the vehicle through natural conversation rather than fixed commands. Simply tell Gemini what you need, such as “It’s cold inside and the windows are fogged up” and it will adjust the climate control accordingly.

Enjoy entertainment

Customize your media experience to suit your preferences. Instead of requesting a specific song, you can ask Gemini to play music that matches your mood or activity while driving. You can also ask questions about the song currently playing or easily resume an audiobook from where you left off.

Are you currently driving a new CX-5 and looking for help updating the software, or are you considering buying one and want to know more about how the new touchscreen and voice system feel compared to Mazda’s older rotary dial setup?