Google Gemini for Home: Early Access, Public Preview & Launch Date
▼ Summary
– The Gemini for Home Early Access program allows users to try new features first and provide feedback, differing from the broader Public Preview.
– Early access sign-up is not instantaneous and will first be available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, with expansion to additional countries like Japan and Germany starting next week.
– Early access to the Gemini for Home voice assistant begins rolling out in the US on October 28 for Google Home Premium subscribers and will expand to more countries by early 2026.
– Gemini for Home will work with all Nest cameras and doorbells since 2015 and the new Walmart onn devices, requiring migration from the Nest app for older-generation cameras.
– Google is collaborating with third-party speaker companies to extend Gemini for Home to more devices and addressing subscription details for existing Google AI Pro and ADT customers.
Google has officially clarified the rollout strategy for its new Gemini for Home service, providing detailed answers to the most common user inquiries. The company distinguishes between its Early Access initiative and the ongoing Public Preview, explaining that early access allows a select group to test new Gemini capabilities and provide direct feedback for refinement. Signing up does not guarantee immediate access; users will receive notifications when features become available for their specific setup.
Currently, the Early Access option is not yet visible in most user profile menus. The initial launch focuses on the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, with plans to extend to additional nations later. Starting next week, the ability to register for early access will become available in a new wave of countries, including Japan, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Sweden, and Mexico.
The voice assistant component of Gemini for Home will begin its phased rollout to Google Home Premium subscribers in the US on October 28. Google’s stated objective is to expand this service to more countries in early 2026. Initially, a chosen group of existing US users with compatible speakers and smart displays will gain access, with a gradual expansion planned for all users with suitable devices in participating markets by early 2026. Furthermore, Google is actively collaborating with third-party speaker manufacturers to integrate Gemini for Home into a wider array of devices.
The company also addressed several specific technical questions. Regarding compatibility, Gemini for Home will support all generations of Nest cameras and doorbells released since 2015, in addition to the new Walmart onn camera and doorbell. Owners of older-generation Nest cameras must migrate their devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app and enroll in the early access program to utilize the new features.
For subscribers, Google clarified the process for those with overlapping services. If a user already subscribes to Google AI Pro and also has a Google Home Premium Standard (previously called Nest Aware) plan, they must manually activate their Google AI Pro benefit. The company directs users to a specific Help Center article for detailed activation instructions.
Customers who receive Nest Aware through an ADT subscription will continue to have access to the existing Nest Aware features included with their ADT plan. Google recommends that these individuals contact ADT customer service directly for any questions concerning the specific features available under their subscription agreement.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
