Google Gemini Smart Home: New Devices & AI Strategy Revealed

Google Unveils Gemini-Powered Smart Home Devices and AI Strategy

Following closely on Amazon’s introduction of its new AI-driven Echo devices, Google has presented its updated range of Google Home and Nest devices. These devices are specifically designed to highlight the capabilities of its Gemini AI assistant.

The company simultaneously revealed a redesigned Google Home software platform and a new strategic direction for the age of artificial intelligence.

Expanding Gemini's Reach

Google intends to compete in the hardware market, but also aims to make Gemini broadly available to other manufacturers and businesses. This mirrors Google’s approach with Android.

While Google produces its own flagship Android devices through the Pixel line, it also permits other companies to create Android smartphones with varying designs and price points, all compatible with Google’s platform.

“We will continue to develop flagship hardware in select categories where we believe there’s significant potential for innovation and to demonstrate the full capabilities of Gemini,” explained Anish Kattukaran, Google Home and Nest’s chief product officer, during a pre-announcement press conference.

“However, we also believe that Gemini shouldn’t be limited to a single set of devices from one manufacturer, or restricted by price points that might exclude certain consumers,” he added.

New Nest Devices and Future Plans

To illustrate this vision, Google showcased a revamped lineup of Nest devices. This includes the Nest Cam Outdoor, the Nest Cam Indoor, and the Nest Doorbell, all enhanced with Gemini functionality.

An upgraded Google Home speaker is also planned for release in spring 2026. Furthermore, a more affordable camera and doorbell will be available through a partnership with Walmart.

Initially, Gemini will be rolled out to existing device owners, provided their hardware meets specific requirements, such as adequate processing power.

Leveraging Existing Ecosystem

This strategy is deliberate. Google doesn’t want to force users to purchase new devices to experience the benefits of its AI, especially considering it already has over 800 million devices in its ecosystem.

This encompasses both its own products and those from third-party manufacturers.

These devices connect via Google’s Google Home Cloud-to-Cloud APIs and the Matter smart home standard, an industry protocol enabling interoperability between devices from different brands.

Google also requires time to thoroughly test Gemini’s features and performance with current users before launching them on new flagship devices, like the forthcoming upgraded Google Home speaker.

Empowering Partners

Google is providing its “Works with Google Home” partners with a toolkit for developing AI cameras. This includes a new reference hardware design, recommendations for system-on-chips (SoCs), and a new Google Camera embedded SDK.

Walmart is the first partner to utilize these resources, launching an affordable indoor camera and doorbell under its onn brand.

This approach aims to democratize access to Gemini’s capabilities, extending its reach beyond Google’s own hardware offerings.

Conversing with Your Smart Home

Gemini introduces a new paradigm for interacting with smart home devices, enabling more fluid and intuitive conversations. Users can now interrupt, add details, or pose intricate questions, moving beyond simple command-response interactions.

Enhanced Interaction Examples

Imagine requesting a song, specifying, “Play that track from the film starring Ben Affleck, the one about an asteroid.” The device could accurately identify and play Aerosmith’s song from “Armageddon.” Further inquiries about the lyrics or similar songs are then easily accommodated.

Furthermore, you can request a podcast featuring a particular individual without needing to recall the show or episode title. Alternatively, Gemini can generate personalized, interactive bedtime stories for children, allowing them to contribute to character creation.

Streamlined Household Management

Gemini will efficiently manage essential household tasks. This includes handling calendars, creating lists, setting timers, and providing reminders, ultimately simplifying daily life.

Instead of individually adding ingredients to a shopping list, simply state your desired meal, such as “vegetarian pad thai.” Gemini will then inquire about the number of servings and generate a complete shopping list accordingly.

Similarly, instead of specifying a precise timer duration, you can simply say, “I’m boiling eggs. Can you set a timer?” Gemini will then prompt you for your preferred egg doneness – hard-boiled or soft-boiled – and adjust the timer accordingly.

Simplified Device Control

Users will no longer need to memorize the specific names of their smart home devices. For example, from the bedroom, you can instruct Gemini to “turn on the lights,” and the AI will intelligently activate the kitchen lights.

Complex, chained commands are also supported, such as simultaneously turning off lights, adjusting the thermostat, and initiating the Roomba. Specific exceptions can also be requested, like “Turn off all the lights but leave my office lights on.”

Gemini enhances the functionality of security cameras and doorbells. Instead of receiving a constant stream of notifications, users will receive concise summaries or highlights of significant events.

Advanced Features and Automation

Gemini facilitates access to more sophisticated features, including preset routines that automate multiple devices. It also provides insights into energy consumption through natural language queries.

The new “Ask Home” feature allows users to describe desired outcomes, receiving helpful suggestions and automated setup assistance. For instance, asking “How can I improve home security?” might prompt suggestions for routines activated during solo occupancy or when the home is vacant, which Gemini can then configure.

Redesigned Google Home App

These advancements are integrated into a revamped Google Home app, boasting improved speed, stability, and Gemini AI integration.

Within the app, Gemini provides contextual descriptions of camera footage, daily activity summaries, and direct access to relevant clips. (Certain features require a Google Home Premium subscription.)

Gemini Live: Conversational AI

Users can initiate a free-flowing conversation with Gemini Live by saying, “Hey, Google, let’s chat.” This eliminates the need to repeatedly preface requests with “Hey, Google.”

This enables a more natural dialogue, facilitating complex questions, collaborative brainstorming, and creative idea generation.

Currently offered as a mode within devices, Gemini Live is envisioned as the standard user experience in the future.

Future Outlook

Kattukaran expresses strong confidence in the conversational interface becoming the dominant mode of interaction. The convergence of a conversational assistant, Gemini Live, access to information, and the “Ask Home” feature forms the foundation for a truly intelligent home.

The goal is to create a home that proactively anticipates and responds to user needs, simplifying daily life and freeing up time for more meaningful pursuits.

The Google Home app update is available in early access now. Nest and Walmart devices are becoming available, while the new Home speaker will launch in spring 2026. Specifications for manufacturers are accessible through the Google Home developers site.