Google has debuted with Gemini for Home, a new conversational robot that transforms the smart home experience. Launched along with the Pixel series, this update is designed to replace the long-standing Google Assistant and aims to provide users with a more natural, context-aware, and conversational interaction. Now, instead of basic commands, you can handle tasks by chatting in everyday language.
The innovations brought by Gemini for Home offer a variety of voice options and more realistic tones. With 10 different voice choices, dialogues become more natural and fluid; and its context-preserving design aims to reduce repetitive questions.
The digital assistant promises to work more efficiently in daily tasks. For example, when playing media, you no longer need to remember the artist or song; simply say “Hey Google” to access your desired content. In smart home controls, managing your home with simple and natural phrases will be possible: commands like “Turn on the light next to the stove” or “Turn off all the lights, keep the ones in the bedroom on” are supported. Planning and shopping lists are also now created more intelligently; for example, ingredients for Pad Thai can be added to the list via voice, and the assistant considers portion preferences when generating the list.
The Gemini Live and Ask Home features make conversations smoother while also simplifying home automation management through both voice and written natural language commands. Additionally, advanced improvements are being made for security cameras: context can be added to motion detection notifications, reports summarized as Home Brief are available, and it becomes easier to quickly find specific moments in video recordings.
In terms of compatibility, Gemini for Home works with speakers, displays, security cameras, and video doorbells released in the last decade. Currently, the features available are provided as part of an early access program, requiring Google Home app version 4.0 or higher. You can sign up via the Home settings menu from the profile icon under the Early Access section.
Premium features make some advanced functions available only with a Google Home Premium subscription. The benefits offered include: Home Brief reports, Gemini Live, AI-powered notifications, automation creation, and video history search.
The subscription costs start at around $10 per month.
