Say hi to new Ojai in-car experience

Waymo’s Ojai vehicle reimagines the ride-hailing cabin as a flexible, premium space, designed to function as a living room on wheels. The company is preparing to welcome more public riders and has introduced new in-car features to enhance the experience. These include Gemini in Waymo, a conversational AI assistant powered by Google’s Gemini, and a redesigned user interface. The Ojai’s cabin is built to prioritize rider comfort and control, offering a more personalized and relaxed environment during trips.

Gemini in Waymo operates as an independent AI assistant, providing cabin controls, journey details, and general knowledge through voice or screen interactions. Riders can adjust settings like temperature or request local recommendations, such as nearby coffee shops or historical information about landmarks. The assistant does not influence vehicle movement or routing and remains inactive unless engaged by the rider. Currently in beta, Waymo plans to expand its capabilities over time to further personalize and improve the ride experience.

The Ojai’s new screen interface marks the first major design update in years, supporting a relaxed, 'lean-back' ride with intuitive controls. The tri-screen system dynamically adjusts content based on seat occupancy and rider needs, displaying varied information across screens. For example, a single rider in the right rear seat may see full controls on their screen, while others view simplified trip details or ambient media. This design allows for features like Calm Mode, which minimizes screen activity for a more serene experience.

Waymo will continue refining the Ojai’s rider experience as it prepares to welcome more public riders. The vehicle’s flexible cabin and new features aim to create a comfortable, personalized space for every journey. The company emphasizes rider privacy and control, ensuring the AI assistant remains optional and inactive by default.