Just one day after Amazon revealed its latest AI-driven Echo products, Google introduced its updated range of Google Home and Nest devices, all designed to highlight the capabilities of its Gemini AI assistant. The company also presented a redesigned Google Home software platform and outlined its new AI-focused business direction.
Although Google remains committed to developing its own hardware, it also aims to make Gemini available to other brands and enterprises. This mirrors Google’s approach with Android: while it produces its own Pixel phones, it also lets other manufacturers create Android devices in various styles and price ranges that work with Google’s ecosystem.
“We plan to create top-tier hardware in select categories where we see significant opportunities to highlight innovation and expand what’s possible with Gemini,” said Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home and Nest, during a press event before Wednesday’s announcement. “But we also believe Gemini shouldn’t be limited to just one manufacturer’s devices or a single price range, which could restrict access for some users,” he added.
Image Credits:Google
To illustrate this, Google rolled out a refreshed selection of Nest products, such as the Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Cam Indoor, and Nest Doorbell, all leveraging Gemini. The company also previewed an enhanced Google Home speaker set to arrive in spring 2026, along with a budget-friendly camera and doorbell developed in collaboration with Walmart.
However, Google’s initial step is to bring Gemini to current device owners, provided their hardware meets certain requirements like adequate processing power. (See the list below).
This strategy is deliberate. Rather than forcing users to upgrade to new devices to use its AI, Google wants to support its existing base of over 800 million devices—including both Google’s own and third-party products. These devices are connected through Google Home Cloud-to-Cloud APIs and the Matter standard, which enables interoperability between smart home devices from different brands.
Additionally, Google needs time to test Gemini’s features and performance with its current user base before rolling them out to new flagship products, such as the next-generation Google Home smart speaker expected next year.
Image Credits:Google
At the same time, Google is providing its “Works with Google Home” partners with resources for developing AI-powered cameras, a new reference hardware model, guidance on System on Chips (SoCs), a new Google Camera embedded SDK, and additional tools.
Walmart is Google’s first partner to launch an affordable indoor camera and doorbell under its onn brand.
Talk to your Home
Gemini aims to enable more natural conversations with AI-powered devices, allowing users to interrupt, add information, or ask more sophisticated questions after their initial request.
For example, if you say, “Play that song from the movie with Ben Affleck where he goes to space on a rocket to an asteroid or something,” the device could play an Aerosmith track from “Armageddon.” While the song is playing, you could ask about the meaning of the lyrics, and afterward, request more songs with a similar vibe.
You might also request a podcast featuring a particular person without recalling the show’s name or episode. Or you could have Gemini invent an interactive bedtime story where your children help create the characters.
For managing daily life at home, Gemini will be able to handle calendars, lists, timers, reminders, and other tasks that simplify your routines.
For instance, instead of adding each recipe ingredient to your shopping list one by one, you could simply say you want to make “vegetarian pad thai,” and Gemini might ask, “How many servings?” If you don’t already have a shopping list, it will create one with the correct quantities.
Another scenario: rather than specifying a timer duration, you could say, “I’m boiling eggs, can you set a timer?” Gemini could then ask if you want them hard or soft boiled, and set the timer accordingly.
Additionally, you won’t need to remember the names of your smart home devices. For example, you could be in your bedroom and tell Gemini you’re “about to cook” and to “turn on the lights,” and the AI will understand you mean the kitchen lights.
Image Credits:Google
You can also give multiple instructions at once, such as asking the device to turn off the lights, adjust the thermostat, and start the Roomba simultaneously. Or you might say, “turn off all the lights except my office,” and Gemini will understand the exception.
For cameras and doorbells, Gemini can better interpret what’s happening, so instead of a flood of notifications, you’ll receive summaries or highlights of important events.
Image Credits:Google
Gemini will also make it easier for users to access advanced features, like creating routines that automate multiple devices or gaining insights into energy usage by asking questions.
Instead of manually setting up automations, you could use the new “Ask Home” feature to tell Gemini what you want, and it will offer recommendations and help. For example, you could ask how to make your home safer, and Gemini might suggest automations for when you’re home alone or to simulate your presence while you’re away. If you like the suggestions, Gemini can set them up for you.
Image Credits:Google
All these features are managed through a redesigned Google Home app, which is now faster, more reliable, and powered by Gemini AI.
Within the app, Gemini can describe what your cameras have detected, summarize daily activities, direct you to specific video clips, and more. (Some capabilities require a Google Home Premium subscription. More details below).
Image Credits:Google
Beyond AI-powered tools, you can also have a natural, ongoing conversation with Gemini Live by saying, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” This initiates a dialogue where you don’t need to repeat the wake phrase for each request.
This enables more fluid interactions, letting you ask complex questions, brainstorm with the AI, generate creative ideas, and more.
Currently, Gemini Live is a mode available on these devices, but Kattukaran envisions that this conversational style will eventually become the standard experience.
“I’m extremely optimistic that this will become the default way people interact,” he says.
“With a more conversational assistant, Gemini Live, limitless access to information and creativity, and the ‘Ask Home’ feature—all of these elements coming together—this is the foundation we’re building,” Kattukaran explains. “We’re starting to fulfill the promise of a home that can truly see, hear, comprehend, and act on your behalf, making life a bit simpler so you can focus on what matters most to you.”
The updated Google Home app is now available in early access. The new Nest and Walmart devices are rolling out, while Google’s next Home speaker is scheduled for release in spring 2026. Technical specifications for manufacturers can be found on the Google Home developers site.



