Google Rolls Out Gemini for Home Replacing Google Assistant on Smart Speakers and Displays

Google has officially begun rolling out Gemini for Home, the highly anticipated AI assistant that will entirely replace Google Assistant across all smart speakers and displays. This means even older devices like the original Google Home will receive the upgrade, bringing decade-old hardware into the fold. Based on Google Gemini, the new assistant represents the next level of smart home AI with more human-like conversations, contextual comprehension, and advanced automation features.

Differently from Google Assistant, which tended to need strict phrasing, Gemini allows chained commands and natural, back-and-forth dialogue. Users may still trigger the assistant using the well-known "Hey Google" command but with Gemini come Gemini Live, which makes it possible to have fluid interactions without constantly using the wake word. As part of the update, users can also set automations entirely via voice, making smart home control more intuitive and easier than ever.

Smarter AI Features for the Home

Gemini for Home is not solely about voice it goes deeply into smart home devices, particularly cameras. The assistant can now provide AI-enabled motion alerts, offer semantic interpretation of images, and even enable natural language video search through tools such as Ask Home. Users who often go through their security footage can have Home Brief summarize hours of recordings into quick updates automatically.

Some of those high-end AI features, such as Gemini Live, Ask Home, Home Brief, enhanced notifications, and unlimited 30-day cloud storage for video, can be accessed under the new Google Home Premium plan, which costs $10/month. The plan also comes bundled with Google's premium AI Pro and AI Ultra levels and thus is a promising option for users seeking a complete AI solution.

New Hardware and Ecosystem Expansion

The rollout also introduces Gemini-compatible smart doorbells and cameras available through Walmart, further expanding Google’s ecosystem. Importantly, this update applies to all supported Google Home and Nest devices from the last decade, showing Google’s commitment to extending cutting-edge AI even to older hardware owners.

Google Home App Gets Its Biggest Redesign

With the rollout of Gemini, Google is also introducing the largest Google Home app redesign to date. The revised app brings with it a centralized control system that features three central tabs: Home, Activity, and Automations. A new persistent Ask Home bar allows users to issue natural language commands right from the app interface.

Nest cameras are now completely integrated into the new app, with better camera performance through faster live streams, more consistent video history playback, and less crashing. Google says the app loads 70% faster, crashes 80% less, and even drains less battery on smartphones.

The revamped app and Gemini features started rolling out on Oct. 1, and early access was already available to a limited set of users via the Google Home app settings.

With Gemini for Home, Google isn't merely improving its smart assistant it's revolutionizing the way users engage with their smart homes. From more conversational interactions and contextual automations to strong camera integrations and an all-new Home app, this launch is the most ambitious Google Home update ever. For those who are willing to pay for Google Home Premium, AI-driven capabilities offer a smarter, faster, and more responsive connected home experience.