Google brings Gemini AI to more third-party speakers this year
▼ Summary
– Google announced “Gemini built in” at I/O 2026, a turnkey solution bringing AI features to third-party devices like speakers and cameras.
– Google is opening its smart home tools to developers, including features used for “Ask Home” and Nest Cam’s intelligent scene recognition.
– Carriers and ISPs can now integrate Google Home Premium and Gemini features into their apps, with AT&T using it for its Connected Life security service.
– The “Gemini built in” program provides reference designs for hardware, focusing on cameras and new smart speakers, with Walmart as a key partner.
– A leaked Onn-branded Gemini smart speaker suggests new devices are coming, while the “Google Home Speaker” launch date remains unannounced.
Building on a flurry of announcements from I/O 2026, Google is rolling out a new initiative called “Gemini built in,” designed to bring its advanced AI capabilities to a wider range of third-party devices, including speakers, cameras, and more.
This expansion follows several months of behind-the-scenes improvements to Gemini for Home. Google is now sharing three major updates, largely focused on developer access and partner integrations. Developers will gain access to the same powerful smart home tools that powered features like “Ask Home” and the intelligent scene recognition found in Nest Cam. This opens the door for more sophisticated AI-driven experiences on non-Google hardware.
Another key development involves carriers and internet service providers. Google is now allowing these companies to integrate Google Home Premium and Gemini features directly into their own apps and services. AT&T, for instance, plans to leverage this for its Connected Life security service, incorporating Nest Cam AI features. AT&T first announced its Google integration for Connected Life late last year.
The most consumer-facing announcement, however, is the broader rollout of “Gemini built in.” Google is offering a turnkey solution for third-party brands, similar to the approach taken during the Assistant era. This program provides reference designs that include all necessary hardware to build Gemini-compatible devices, with a specific focus on cameras and speakers. The speaker category is entirely new for 2026, following last year’s debut of affordable cameras from Walmart’s Onn brand.
Google explains the program’s value: “Smart cameras: Partners can bypass long development cycles to launch high-performance, Gemini-capable cameras with our Camera Reference Design.” For speakers, the company adds, “New for 2026 – smart speakers: Our Speaker Reference Design allows you to build high-fidelity speakers that support the full Gemini voice experience, acting as the command center for the home.”
Given this momentum, a wave of new Gemini smart speakers is expected. A leaked Onn-branded Gemini speaker suggests Walmart is again an early partner. Google has teased images of upcoming devices without naming specific brands or models. Meanwhile, the long-awaited Google Home Speaker is still expected to launch soon, though no exact release date has been set.
(Source: 9to5google.com)
