Google has officially started the early access rollout of its powerful new AI voice assistant, Gemini for Home. This significant upgrade is set to replace the familiar Google Assistant on Nest devices, offering a glimpse into the future of Google’s smart home ecosystem. Currently, the early access program is available to eligible Google Home users in the US who have registered and have version 4.1 of the Google Home app. Google has also confirmed plans for a wider international rollout in 2026.
Gemini for Home: Eligibility and Exciting New Features
The rollout of Gemini for Home was announced by Google in a recent blog post. While the core Gemini voice assistant experience is a free upgrade for enrolled users, certain advanced functionalities will require a Google Home Premium subscription. These premium features include “Gemini Live,” which offers more conversational and real-time interactions, as well as the ability to search camera history and create complex automations using just your voice.
Interacting with Gemini for Home is straightforward: simply say “Hey Google” followed by your request. To dive into the more advanced conversational capabilities, users can try the command “Hey Google, let’s chat” to activate Gemini Live. This assistant is designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and managing reminders to streaming media and seamlessly controlling your smart home devices.
Anish Kattukaran, Google’s Chief Product Officer, shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the initial wave of the Gemini for Home early access began on October 28 in the US. This phased rollout ensures a smooth transition and allows Google to gather valuable user feedback for further improvements before a broader launch.
To participate in the early access program, US users must have Google Home app version 4.1. Accessing the program is done through the Settings > Early Access menu within the app. Google encourages users to provide feedback directly through the app or by using the voice command “Hey Google, send feedback,” helping to shape the assistant’s development.
Compatible Speakers and Displays for Gemini for Home
A wide array of Google speakers and displays released since 2016 are compatible with the Gemini for Home voice assistant. This extensive list includes popular devices such as the Google Nest Hub (both 1st and 2nd generation), Nest Hub Max, Google Home Max, Nest Mini (2nd gen), Home Mini (1st gen), Nest Audio, Google Home, and Nest Wi-Fi points.
For those interested in the advanced Gemini Live feature, it will be available with a Google Home Premium subscription (both Standard and Advanced plans) on specific devices: Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Audio, Nest Mini (2nd gen), and Nest Hub Max.
Google has also provided a comprehensive list of over 100 sample commands to help users explore the full potential of Gemini for Home. These commands cover diverse functions, from explaining complex topics and providing personalized current event summaries to learning new words, troubleshooting device issues, and discovering new playlists. The assistant aims to offer a truly integrated and intuitive smart home experience.
A video demonstrating some of Gemini for Home’s key features and interactions was included in the original report, showcasing its capabilities in a practical setting.