Gemini AI to Replace Google Assistant on Nest Devices
- tech360.tv
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Google is preparing a significant upgrade for smart homes, introducing Gemini for Home as a full replacement for Google Assistant on Nest speakers and displays. An early access rollout for the new system is set to commence in Oct.
At I/O 2025 in May, the search giant announced its plan to integrate Gemini AI into Home APIs. This integration will enable third-party developers to bring Gemini-powered features, such as AI security camera summaries, natural-language routines, and proactive automation suggestions, to their smart home applications.
Gemini-powered experiences have already appeared in public preview on Nest Audio and Nest Mini speakers for some users with a Nest Aware subscription. These previews offer deeper context and more natural control.
Gemini for Home marks the official transition away from Google Assistant in the smart home ecosystem. Both free and paid tiers are planned, though Google has not yet disclosed the cost of the premium plan.
Users will continue to initiate commands with the classic "Hey Google" prompt, but interactions are expected to feel fundamentally new. Gemini will handle nuanced requests and reason through complex tasks, moving beyond rigid commands.
For instance, users can ask the assistant to "turn off the lights everywhere except the kitchen" or to "play that song from the '90s about Barbie." Gemini is designed to understand such varied instructions.
The digital voice assistant will also enhance household organisation, making shopping lists, calendar events, and kitchen timers smarter. Users can instruct Gemini to "add the ingredients for an authentic Italian ravioli" to a list, "set a timer for a medium hard boiled egg," or even ask when the best time is to visit the Greek islands, providing much more useful assistance.
Gemini Live will be another feature, allowing for continuous back-and-forth conversation without repeating the wake phrase. Initiated with "Hey Google, let's chat," this mode is designed for deeper, more natural exchanges.
These conversations can range from cooking with available ingredients to troubleshooting a dishwasher or creating a personalised bedtime story. The timing of this release is significant for Google.
The technology company has faced scrutiny in the smart home sector in recent months, with service issues and no new hardware releases in years. Meanwhile, Amazon has already introduced Alexa Plus, moving its assistant into the generative AI era.
Gemini for Home is Google's strategic move in the next-generation voice assistant competition, promising improved smart home control, media discovery, and creative assistance. However, the question of new hardware remains.
Google has not refreshed its Nest speakers or displays in nearly five years. While Gemini for Home will function on existing devices, a major upgrade like this often benefits from new hardware to showcase its full capabilities.
During the company's Made by Google event earlier this week, F1 driver Lando Norris was seen interacting with a smart speaker. This device appeared to be different from the current Google or Nest line-up, potentially teasing new hardware.
As Google aims for a strong comeback, and with a revamped Siri possibly launching alongside new Apple smart home hardware and the AI-supercharged Alexa Plus already rolling out, the evolution of the smart home revolution will be noteworthy in the coming years.
Gemini for Home will replace Google Assistant on Nest speakers and displays, starting with early access in Oct.
The new system offers more natural interactions, understanding nuanced commands and handling household organisation.
Gemini Live enables continuous, deeper conversations without needing to repeat the wake phrase.
Source: FORBES