Google is set to launch its most significant smart home update in recent years, starting October 1st. The initiative, dubbed Gemini For Home, introduces a comprehensive suite of AI-driven features designed for the company’s smart home hardware and software.
A key highlight of this update is the replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini across all Smart speakers, encompassing devices dating back to the original Google Home. This new AI-powered assistant, which was first presented at Google I/O, will initially be accessible through an Early Access program, followed by a broader launch in the coming year.
Gemini offers a completely revamped voice assistant that better comprehends natural language and context while delivering real-time information. Users will still invoke it with the phrase “hey Google,” although the familiar Assistant will be phased out.
Anish Kattukaran, head of product for Google Home and Nest, emphasized the broader implications of Gemini’s introduction. “Gemini for Home is the intelligence for your entire home,” he explained to Technology News. “It’s not just destined to overhaul speakers and displays but will also enhance other devices, including cameras and doorbells, integrating intelligent features throughout the home.”
The new Google Home Premium subscription—previously known as Nest Aware—will start at $10 per month and grant certain Nest speakers access to Gemini Live, a more conversational chatbot. This subscription will also enhance Nest cameras and video doorbells with Gemini intelligence, featuring models recently announced. Enhancements to the Google Home app will include a new chatbot, improved automation capabilities, and a Home Brief that provides a summary of daily activities.
In terms of functionality, Gemini offers 10 new voice options, more fluid conversations, context awareness, and improved access to real-time information. During a demonstration, the assistant accurately advised on the best day for a barbecue, while the current Google Assistant struggled to provide a response.
Gemini will be compatible with various Google Nest smart speakers released over the past ten years, such as the Google Home Mini, Nest Hub, and Google Home Max.
Kattukaran noted that Gemini is designed to handle media requests with greater efficacy, transforming interactions like playing songs from specific movies into seamless experiences. Additionally, it can manage follow-up questions without requiring users to repeat song titles.
For everyday tasks such as managing calendars, shopping lists, reminders, and timers, Gemini aims to simplify household management. The system is also built to recognize voices from up to six users in a home, allowing for individualized account management.
The enhanced natural language controls promise a significant upgrade for smart home users. Commands can be issued in a more conversational manner, enabling complex tasks like controlling multiple devices with a single request. While creating new routines through voice commands won’t be available initially, Google plans to implement this feature in the future.
Subscribers opting for Google Home Premium can, however, develop automations using natural language in the updated Home app. This app will also feature an Ask Home chatbot to check device statuses and provide daily summaries of household activity.
Furthermore, Gemini Live—a conversational AI feature—will be accessible for a fee and is part of the Google Home Premium subscription. It allows for conversational interactions without the need to repeatedly use the wake word, enabling users to pause or change topics mid-discussion. However, this feature will be limited to newer speakers and displays.
Early access to Gemini for Home requires users to opt-in through the Google Home app’s Home Settings. The rollout will occur gradually, with notifications sent to users as access becomes available.
