Summary: Google’s new Gemini for Home voice assistant is now available in early access, bringing smarter, more conversational AI to select Google Nest devices. If you have a compatible speaker, you can sign up through the Google Home app to try out this next-generation assistant that understands natural follow-up questions and offers more advanced responses. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Is Gemini for Home?
When smart speakers first hit the market, many hoped they’d quickly become intelligent companions, like sci-fi characters C-3PO or Data. For years, voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant mostly stayed basic. But with the rise of generative AI, things are changing. Google’s Gemini for Home is their latest voice assistant upgrade, designed to handle more natural, conversational interactions.
Currently, Gemini for Home is in early access, meaning it’s still being refined. Expect occasional mistakes, and if you notice any, you can easily send feedback by saying, “Hey Google, send feedback,” or through the Google Home app.
Compatible Devices
Before jumping in, check if your smart speaker supports Gemini for Home:
- Full Gemini Live experience (supports natural back-and-forth conversations): Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Google Nest Audio, Google Nest Mini (2nd gen), Google Nest Hub Max.
- Partial support (no Gemini Live): Google Nest Wifi point, Google Nest Hub (1st gen), Google Home Max, Google Home Mini (1st gen), Google Home.
Note that upgrading to Gemini for Home is a one-way process; once your device switches, it cannot revert back to the classic Google Assistant.
How to Sign Up for Early Access
If you have a compatible device, follow these steps to request early access:
- Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
- Tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
- Select Home Settings > Early Access.
- Submit your request to join the beta program.
After some time, you’ll receive a notification in the Google Home app titled “Introducing Gemini for Home.” Follow the prompts to complete setup. If you miss the notification, look for the setup banner under Home settings.
Once set up, all compatible speakers in your home will upgrade to Gemini for Home.
Subscription Details and Features
To access Gemini Live’s advanced conversational features, a Google Home Premium subscription is required. Here are the options:
- Standard Tier: $10/month or $100/year
- Advanced Tier: $20/month or $200/year (includes camera history search)
Both tiers unlock Gemini Live, so if you only want the conversational AI features, the standard plan is a cost-effective choice.
Getting Started with Gemini for Home
Once you’re set up, you can ask Gemini for Home a wide range of questions and enjoy more natural conversations. For example:
- “Hey Google, who are the top five scoring players in basketball history?” (Answer: LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan.)
- Ask for ingredient suggestions tailored to dietary needs.
- Request simple explanations of complex topics, like “How does Wi-Fi work?”
While it might not be quite at sci-fi companion level yet, Gemini for Home is a significant step towards smarter, more helpful voice assistants.