If you thought Google Home couldn’t get any smarter, think again. The latest update adds Gemini AI to the mix — and it’s bringing powerful new features hiding in plain sight.
If you’re not familiar, Gemini is Google’s most advanced AI model. It powers tools like Gemini Live and Gemini Chat, the company’s ChatGPT rival, and Veo, Google’s new AI video creator. Now, that same intelligence is coming home — literally.
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1. Build custom automations just by talking
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What’s great about Gemini is that as one of the most popular LLMs (large language models), it naturally understands what you’re saying. This means you no longer have to dig through the app to build a routine. Just say something like, “Tell me the weather every day at 7 a.m.” or “Turn on the porch light every evening at 6 p.m.”
If your devices support it, Google Home automatically creates the routine just by you asking it — no app required. You can view or edit it afterward in the Home app.
Expert tip: Start with short, simple phrases while Gemini learns your preferred tone and timing.
2. Let Google remember context for natural follow-ups
(Image credit: Google Home)
Google Home now understands context. So, ask a question like, “What’s my calendar look like this weekend?” and then follow up with, “Add lunch with Sarah on Sunday to it.” With the new Gemini update, Google Home now maintains short-term conversational context, meaning it understands what “it” refers to, so there’s no need to repeat yourself or restate the entire request.
It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference. This improved context awareness is one of Gemini’s biggest strengths. It bridges the gap between voice control and true conversation, and once you get used to it, going back to the old version feels clunky.
3. Unlock smart suggestions in the app
(Image credit: Future)
One of my favorite features about Alexa+ is the ability to add my own updates within the app. Well, Google Home takes this to a new level by actually unlocking smart suggestions for you within the app.
For example, if you notice Google nudging you with ideas like “Create an evening routine?” or “Turn off these lights at bedtime?” that’s not a coincidence. The app’s new Suggestions tab uses AI to analyze your habits and recommend automations you might actually want but didn’t know you need. You can always ignore or deny the suggestions, but the more Google Home gets to know your routine, you’ll probably wonder why you hadn’t thought of it first.
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4. Reveiw your day in one voice prompt
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Say, “Hey Google, what’s my day look like?” and you’ll get a summary that pulls from your calendar, reminders, traffic and weather in one conversational response.
Thanks to the recent update, Gemini naturally integrates its summarization power so your briefings sound more cohesive and less like a list of separate commands.
5. Voice recognition that adapts to household members
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On compatible devices (Google/Nest smart speakers and displays, especially newer ones — e.g., the Nest Hub family, Nest Audio), Google Home now offers voice-based personalization for every member of the household. This means different routines, music preferences or reminders based on who is speaking.
Expert tip: Make sure each household member is added in the Home app under “Household” and voice match is enabled. Keep in mind that while Google has announced deeper personalization, full availability may vary by device and region.
6. Use your Nest Hub or display as a visual AI dashboard
(Image credit: Google)
On the smart display of Google Nest Hub (after updating) you’ll see enhanced summaries, routines and controls; this is a “dashboard” for your day right on screen. The new Home app redesign includes tabs like Home, Activity and Automations.
Expert tip: On your display, say “Show me my calendar” or “What’s the top news of the day?” If the system doesn’t respond that way yet, the update may not be live in your region. Keep in mind that Google Home is rolling out gradually even though the Google Gemini web app is available in over 230 countries and territories.
Specifically for Gemini for Home, Google has announced early access in the U.S. starting late last month, with rollout to other regions coming later.
7. Beyond smart-home control: use Gemini for broader help
(Image credit: Google)
Once you get accustomed to Google Home now powered by Gemini, you’ll want to give Gemini a try for broader use, even outside of the home.
Try asking:
“Summarize the email thread titled ___.”
“Brainstorm 5 lunch ideas for the week.”
“Walk me through how to fix a leaky faucet.”
These generative-AI tasks are enabled where Gemini Live and advanced AI features are supported. One thing to note is that these features may require the Premium subscription or be in preview only at this time. Give the prompts a try and see.
Bottom line
The recent updates mark the start of a new era for Google Home. With Gemini for Home, your devices can do more, learn more and respond more naturally. But this change is gradual, and full access depends on your device model, region, subscription and whether you signed up for early access.
Explore the features you can use today, keep an eye on the Home app for “early access” prompts and revisit this list once your system updates. Your smart home might just feel easier, more personal and more helpful than you thought possible.
Do you have access yet? Let me know in the comments what you think about Google Home so far.
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