Google is launching a major upgrade for smart homes: Gemini for Home, a brand-new voice assistant powered by Google’s Gemini AI. Arriving later this year, it will replace Google Assistant on Nest smart speakers and displays, offering hands-free control over lights, music, timers, and more. Early access begins in October, with both free and paid tiers available. You’ll still wake the assistant with “Hey Google,” and it will work seamlessly for everyone in your household.

Smarter, More Context-Aware Interactions

Gemini for Home is designed to understand context, nuance, and user intention better than ever. It can handle complex requests like “Turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom” or “Set a timer for perfectly blanched broccoli.” It can create lists, calendar entries, and reminders faster and more accurately. Gemini Live adds conversational interactions, so you don’t have to keep repeating “Hey Google,” making tasks like cooking, planning, or troubleshooting your home appliances more natural and intuitive.

Catching Up With the Competition

Google has lagged behind Amazon’s Alexa Plus in smart home AI, but Gemini for Home is a significant leap forward. The assistant brings generative AI capabilities to home control, helping with cooking, household management, and creative tasks like generating bedtime stories. With this launch, Google is now competing for the title of the most capable and reliable smart home assistant.

Premium Features and Future Hardware

While pricing for the paid tier hasn’t been announced, Gemini Live’s advanced capabilities suggest it will be part of a premium plan. Google may bundle it with Nest Aware or Google One, similar to Amazon’s subscription approach. The launch could also coincide with new Nest hardware to showcase Gemini’s full potential. Rollout will be cautious, as generative AI controlling smart devices requires careful implementation, especially for locks, appliances, and HVAC systems.