Get Gemini for Home Early Access: How to Try It First
▼ Summary
– Google has launched early access for Gemini for Home, bringing generative AI capabilities to Google Home users.
– Users can sign up for early access via the Google Home app and will be notified when they are off the waitlist.
– Gemini for Home is compatible with most Nest speakers and smart home devices released since 2016, including cameras and doorbells.
– The service is available without a subscription, allowing natural conversations and complex commands like controlling devices and answering questions.
– Google plans for Gemini for Home to eventually replace Google Assistant at no extra cost, and users cannot revert once upgraded.
Google has officially opened up early access for Gemini for Home, bringing generative AI capabilities directly to compatible Nest speakers and smart home devices. This upgrade transforms the familiar Google Assistant into a more conversational and intelligent helper, capable of generating responses rather than just delivering pre-set answers. If you’re eager to try it, signing up is straightforward through the Google Home app.
You may have already noticed a pop-up invitation within the app over the past few days. If not, you can manually enroll by ensuring you have the latest version of the Google Home app, tapping your profile picture, navigating to Home Settings, and selecting the Early Access option for Gemini for Home. After completing the sign-up process, you will receive an in-app notification once access is granted.
Gemini for Home represents a significant evolution for Google’s smart home ecosystem. It leverages powerful large language models, enabling it to understand context and handle nuanced, multi-step commands. Imagine asking who sang a particular song, checking if any packages were delivered this morning, or instructing it to lock all doors and adjust the living room lighting, all through natural dialogue.
A wide range of existing hardware supports this new assistant. Compatible devices include most Nest speakers released since 2016, such as the Google Nest Hub, Google Home Max, Nest Audio, and Nest Mini. Additionally, various Nest cameras and doorbells dating back to 2015, along with newer onn-branded models from Walmart, will work seamlessly with the system.
The core features of Gemini for Home are available at no extra cost. You can upgrade from Google Assistant without a subscription, gaining the ability to perform quick searches, query device statuses, and control your home using more intuitive language. For users seeking an enhanced experience, Google offers a Premium subscription. This plan unlocks Gemini Live for more dynamic interactions, the ability to create automations using plain English, extended video history, and intelligent alerts for compatible security cameras.
You can easily check if your system has already been upgraded by asking, “OK Google, who are you?” A noticeably more natural-sounding voice will confirm that Gemini for Home is active. It’s important to remember that, like all AI systems, its responses should be verified for accuracy, as it can occasionally provide incorrect information.
Looking ahead, Google plans to make Gemini for Home the default assistant, eventually phasing out the classic Google Assistant. Once you upgrade, reverting back is not an option. This positions Google’s offering as a direct competitor to Amazon’s Alexa+, which also incorporates generative AI but is available either through a separate monthly fee or included with a Prime membership. While a full comparison will require hands-on testing, Google’s decision to provide this upgrade without a mandatory subscription fee is a compelling advantage for many users.
(Source: ZDNET)
