In a significant development, Google has started rolling out a Gemini-powered Google Assistant to some Google Home users on select Nest smart speakers. This move marks the beginning of a smarter Google Assistant for the home, which was first teased by the company in August.
What is Gemini?
Gemini is an AI technology developed by Google that enables more in-depth and detailed answers to general knowledge questions. It’s similar to the Gemini experience available on Android and iOS devices, but tailored specifically for voice interactions with the Google Assistant.
How Does it Work?
When you ask a question using the Gemini-powered Google Assistant, you’ll hear a distinctive chime before receiving an AI-powered answer. This is different from the regular Google Assistant, which will continue to handle tasks like smart home control and music requests.
However, when using the Gemini-powered Google Assistant, you can still ask follow-up questions and interrupt the response to ask another question. But, as with any voice assistant interaction, you’ll need to say "Hey Google" each time to initiate a new conversation.
Availability
The Gemini-enhanced Google Assistant is currently available only on Nest Audio and Nest Mini (2nd gen) smart speakers. Unfortunately, this means that users of earlier generations of Nest speakers or those without Nest Aware will not be able to access these AI-powered features.
Moreover, the rollout is limited to users in the Google Home Public Preview, who are also Nest Aware subscribers and have opted-in to Experimental AI features. However, it’s worth noting that not all users in the Preview will see this option enabled.
How to Access Gemini-Powered Google Assistant
If you’re part of the Google Home Public Preview and have opted-in to Experimental AI features, you can access the Gemini-powered Google Assistant by:
- Opening your Google Home app
- Checking your inbox for a notification about Experimental AI features
- Toggling on the Experimental AI features button to start testing Gemini-powered Google Assistant
By doing so, you’ll also gain access to other generative AI-powered features announced in August, including:
- Gemini-powered camera search and descriptions: helps filter Nest security camera footage (requires Nest Aware Plus)
- Help me create: allows setting up a Google Home routine with just a few words
A Step Ahead in Smart Home Technology
While the rollout is limited, this development makes Google the first of the big three tech companies to publicly launch new, generative AI-powered features on its voice assistant in the smart home. After Amazon’s ambitious plans for a smarter Alexa last year, the company has yet to deliver on it. Apple, meanwhile, remains tight-lipped about a smarter Siri for its smart home.
This move by Google demonstrates its commitment to innovation and customer experience, offering users more advanced AI-powered features to enhance their smart home interactions.
Conclusion
The Gemini-powered Google Assistant is an exciting development in the world of voice assistants, providing users with more in-depth answers to general knowledge questions. As this technology continues to roll out, we can expect to see even more innovative features and capabilities emerge from Google’s research and development efforts.
For now, those lucky enough to be part of the Google Home Public Preview and have opted-in to Experimental AI features will get to experience the benefits of Gemini-powered Google Assistant firsthand. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking for ways to make your smart home more intelligent, this is definitely something worth keeping an eye on.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What devices are compatible with Gemini-powered Google Assistant? Currently, only Nest Audio and Nest Mini (2nd gen) smart speakers are compatible.
- Who can access Gemini-powered Google Assistant? Users in the Google Home Public Preview who are also Nest Aware subscribers and have opted-in to Experimental AI features.
- How do I access Gemini-powered Google Assistant? By opening your Google Home app, checking your inbox for a notification about Experimental AI features, and toggling on the Experimental AI features button.
