Google has officially started inviting select users to try Gemini for Home, a new AI experience designed to replace Google Assistant across Nest and Home devices. The rollout marks the beginning of a major transition for Google’s smart home ecosystem — one powered by its advanced Gemini AI model.
A Smarter Replacement for Google Assistant
After years of relying on Google Assistant, the company is now integrating its Gemini conversational AI into the Google Home platform. The change promises smarter and more natural interactions, allowing users to control devices, ask follow-up questions, and perform multi-step commands without constantly repeating “Hey Google.”
Users who receive the early access invite can enable the Gemini through the Google Home app, switching their smart displays, speakers, and cameras to the new experience.
What’s New in Gemini for Home
According to early testers, Gemini brings several meaningful upgrades over Assistant:
- Context-aware conversations: It remembers your last request and can chain multiple commands in one go.
- Gemini Live Mode: Expected to allow real-time dialogue without repeating wake words.
- Smarter device control: Handles routines, lighting, and media playback more naturally.
- Privacy-focused: Commands and history are stored with tighter user controls, aligning with Google’s privacy upgrades introduced in Android 16.
Not all features are live yet — some, like advanced routines and AI summaries, might stay exclusive to the upcoming Google Home Premium plan (a rebranded Nest Aware subscription).
Supported Devices & Rollout Plan
Initially, Gemini for Home is rolling out to newer Nest speakers, displays, and security cameras, with broader availability expected over the coming months. Google plans to expand access in waves, starting with users in the U.S. before reaching other markets such as India, the UK, and Canada.
Users can check for eligibility inside the Google Home app — if selected, a banner titled “Try Gemini for Home” will appear. Google’s first major step toward making Gemini the brain of your smart home. By combining voice, vision, and generative AI capabilities, Gemini aims to understand users’ intent more naturally and deliver personalized automation experiences.
As the rollout progresses, it’ll be interesting to see how existing Assistant users respond — and whether Gemini truly lives up to the promise of making the smart home feel, well, a little smarter.
