How to get early access to Google’s Gemini for Home (voice AI for Nest speakers)
Google has opened early access for Gemini for Home, its next‑generation voice assistant powered by Gemini. The new assistant brings conversational, follow‑up capable interactions (called Gemini Live) to compatible Nest devices and is currently in beta — which means features may change and the assistant can still make mistakes.
Gemini for Home offers more natural back‑and‑forth voice chats than the classic Google Assistant. You can ask complex questions, request explanations, plan meals with dietary constraints or hold longer, context‑rich conversations — all by voice. Keep in mind that Gemini for Home is an upgrade: once you switch a supported speaker over, Google says you can’t revert that device back to the older Assistant.
Compatible devices
- Full Gemini Live support: Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Audio, Nest Mini (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max.
- Partial support (no Gemini Live): Nest Wifi point, Nest Hub (1st gen), Home Max, Home Mini (1st gen), older Nest/Home devices.
How to sign up for early access
Open the Google Home app on your phone, tap your profile image (top right) → Home Settings → Early Access and request to join. If accepted, you’ll receive an in‑app notification titled “Introducing Gemini for Home” — follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. If you dismiss the notification, the setup banner remains under Home settings.
Cost & subscription notes
Gemini Live requires a Google Home Premium subscription. Google currently offers two premium tiers: the standard Home Premium at $10/month or $100/year, and an advanced tier at $20/month or $200/year that adds features such as camera history search. Both tiers unlock Gemini Live, so if you only need voice access, the standard plan may suffice.
What to consider before upgrading
- Irreversible change: upgrading a supported speaker to Gemini for Home means that device cannot be downgraded to Google Assistant.
- Beta maturity: Gemini for Home is in early access and may make errors — send feedback through the Google Home app or say, “Hey Google, send feedback.”
- Privacy & data: as with any voice AI, review Google’s privacy controls and location/device settings before enabling the beta on primary devices.
Gemini for Home signals a significant step toward more conversational smart‑speaker experiences. If you own a compatible Nest device, joining the early access beta is straightforward — but weigh the subscription cost and the irreversible device upgrade before you switch.
Discussion: Are you signing up for Gemini for Home early access — and which Nest device would you upgrade first? What features would make you switch from the classic Assistant?