Finally, Google Home supports Gemini – it’s about time.
Tl;dr
- The Google Gemini application is equipped with a Google Home extension.
- The expansion is currently in public preview phase.
- Gemini cannot yet control all types of smart devices.
Google Gemini partners with Google Home for a smart experience
Google is taking another step into the world of smart homes with a new update to its Google Gemini application. In fact, the latter now has a Google Home extension, thus revolutionizing interaction with your smart home devices.
A more conversational interaction
With this extension, Google’s intelligent assistant Gemini offers more conversational interaction with your connected devices. If before you could already use a Google Nest device to give voice commands, chatting with Gemini turns out to be more natural than the standard Google Assistant.
A public preview phase
The deployment of this extension is currently in the Google Home public preview phase, which allows you to test it. This phase is usually the last step before the official launch of new features, meaning soon availability for all users.
Compatibility and limitations
Google AI offers support for various types of devices such as lighting, air conditioning, window covers, TVs, speakers and more. However, there is still a fairly large list of devices that are not compatible. So, if you ask Gemini to work with security devices such as garage doors, locks, cameras, “you will be returned to the Google Home app”.
It is important to note that this feature is only available for Android users, Apple users are “left behind”. Furthermore, it only works in English.
To try Gemini for Google Home, you need to join the public preview program. Google provides a detailed guide to the necessary steps, ensuring a pain-free experience. Once registered, you can visit the Google support page about the Gemini extension to learn more about its capabilities.
New features and extensions
Google also added a Gemini extension for WhatsApp that lets you make calls and send messages. Additionally, the AI has been updated with Gemini extensions for the Messages app and Phone app, which work similarly to WhatsApp.
