Gemini AI Rolls Out to Google Nest Smart Speakers in Preview Update

Google has begun integrating its Gemini AI into Nest smart speakers, marking a shift away from the traditional Google Assistant.

Users enrolled in the Google Home Public Preview programme have reported seeing a new blue and purple light animation on their Nest Audio devices, replacing the standard white lights. This visual change signals the presence of Gemini, Google's next-generation AI.

The update appears to be limited to devices with Cast firmware version 3.75.468348 and only activates if “Experimental AI features” are enabled. The 2nd-generation Nest Mini, although eligible for the preview, has not yet displayed the new animation.

Nest Hubs have not yet received the Gemini update, but Google is already testing Gemini on other platforms, including Google TV. This suggests broader integration is likely imminent.

In March, Google confirmed plans to phase out the Google Assistant in favour of Gemini. The company had previously stated that Gemini would power a more advanced Assistant while retaining the old branding for smart home devices.

Gemini is already available on newer Android smartphones and is expanding to tablets, cars, headphones, smartwatches, speakers, smart displays, and TVs. This move is part of Google’s strategy to unify its ecosystem under the Gemini AI platform.

The shift comes as competitors also enhance their smart home offerings, with Apple preparing a revamped Siri and Amazon rolling out its AI-enhanced Alexa+.

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• Gemini AI now appears on Nest Audio speakers for preview users

• Update requires Cast firmware version 3.75.468348 and Experimental AI features enabled

• Google plans to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across devices

  
  

Source: Forbes