Gemini for Home replaces Google Assistant — what to expect
Google is replacing its original voice assistant with Gemini for Home, rolling out in October. The update aims to make smart-home control more conversational and context-aware, letting you give natural, multi-part commands and create automations by simply describing them.
Key features
- Contextual voice understanding — Gemini remembers recent requests and understands implied context (e.g., “turn off the lights” means the living room lights if you’re watching a movie).
- Multi-request sentences — String multiple commands in one sentence without rigid phrasing.
- Gemini Live — Optional live chat-style conversation for hands-free interaction without wake words.
- Ask Home & Home Brief — Ask Home answers questions about recorded home footage (e.g., “Did I leave the car door open?”). Home Brief summarizes hours of footage into a short digestible summary.
- AI-powered camera notifications — More useful alerts and the ability to request specific clips using natural language.
Availability & pricing
- Rollout begins in October and will reach smart speakers and displays toward the end of the month. Early access is available through the Google Home app.
- Gemini for Home will arrive on Google smart home devices released in the last decade and on new third-party cameras and doorbells.
- Advanced features (Gemini Live, Ask Home, Home Brief, AI notifications) require Google Home Premium at $10/month. The subscription also adds 30 extra days of cloud video storage and is included with Google’s AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions.
Want compatible devices?
Search for Google Nest devices on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Google+Nest&tag=f1rede-20
Where to read more
Official announcement: Google blog — Gemini for Home
Note: This post excludes links to third-party reviews hosted on RSS sources and focuses on official details.