Google AI

Google's AI Assistant Hits a Snag, Can't Make Calls

WNWNIAI Newsroom 1 min read(updated 17 June 2026)
Reviewed by the WNIAI Newsroom · Independent Australian AI coverage
Google's AI Assistant Hits a Snag, Can't Make Calls — illustrative image

Google's new AI assistant, Gemini, which is meant to replace the older Google Assistant on many Android phones, has hit a bit of a bumpy patch. Some users are reporting that Gemini is struggling to make phone calls, especially when using their phone in the car with Android Auto.

This might sound like a small hiccup, but for many busy Australians, being able to quickly make calls while on the go is a core feature. Imagine you're driving to a client meeting or picking up the kids, and you just want to say "Hey Google, call Mum" and have it work seamlessly. When these kinds of basic functions falter, it can be really frustrating.

Google has acknowledged that there's an issue and is working to fix it. This isn't the first time an AI tool has had a few teething problems as it rolls out to the public. It just highlights that even with powerful technology, getting everything right from day one can be a challenge. For now, if you rely on voice commands to make calls, you might find yourself needing to manually dial until a fix is released.

It's a good reminder that while AI is incredibly powerful and offers many benefits, it's still software, and sometimes software has bugs. When a tech giant like Google rolls out a major update like Gemini, there are millions of different phones and car systems it needs to work with, which can make things complicated. Aussie users will be hoping for a swift resolution to get this essential feature back on track.

Why it matters

For everyday Australians and small business owners, reliable communication on the go is crucial. This issue means a quick voice command for a call won't work, causing frustration and potentially impacting productivity when driving.

#google gemini#ai assistant#android auto#tech issues#google ai#voice commands#aussie tech
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