Google has rolled out its advanced Gemini AI assistant to Google Home and Nest devices dating back to 2015, replacing Google Assistant with more conversational and context-aware capabilities across speakers, smart displays, cameras, and doorbells.

Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini understands follow-up questions in context, eliminating the need to restart conversations.

After asking “Hey Google, my dishwasher isn’t draining, what should I check first?” users can simply say “Hey Google, the filter looks good, what should I check next?” and Gemini maintains conversational continuity.

The AI can also interpret vague queries, such as “play the song from the movie where a bunch of oil workers fly to space to blow up an asteroid,” or find podcasts by saying “play a recent podcast featuring Sundar Pichai.”

Gemini simplifies smart home routines through natural language.

Users can say “Create an automation to turn on the porch lights and lock the front door every day at sunset,” or request that Gemini “turn different lights on and off throughout the evening to make it look like someone is home” to simulate occupancy.

The upgrade covers speakers including Google Home (2016), Home Mini (2017), Nest Mini (2019), and Nest Audio (2020); smart displays like Nest Hub (2018) and Nest Hub Max (2019); plus all Nest cameras and doorbells from 2015 onwards, including the new 2K models launched in 2025.

Google demonstrated Gemini at the 2025 CEDIA Expo running on a TCL QM9K TV, showcasing fast, accurate responses and extensive content discovery capabilities.

Google launched an early access program in October 2025, with speakers and smart displays receiving the update toward month’s end.

Users can join through the Google Home app (version 4.0 or higher) by accessing Home settings and selecting Early access.

Basic Gemini for Home Voice Assistant replaces Google Assistant at no additional cost. Advanced features including Gemini Live, AI-powered notifications, Home Brief, video history search, and automation creation require Google Home Premium subscription.

Gemini plans start at $32.99/month with Google AI Pro and AI Ultra at $409.99/month.

While offering convenience and content discovery, the constantly learning AI system collects extensive user data, raising privacy considerations as smart homes become increasingly connected and intelligent.