Particle.news
Download on the App Store
21 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

Google Begins Early Access Rollout of Gemini for Home on Nest and Home Devices

Upgraded devices cannot revert to Assistant, with Google warning of memory limits and possible inaccuracies during the preview.

A screenshot of Google's quick teaser of Gemini for Home during its event in NYC, as well as a new speaker product teaser.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Early access is live in the U.S. for enrolled users via the Google Home app, replacing Google Assistant on compatible speakers and displays in waves over the coming weeks.
  • Gemini adds a conversational Live mode triggered by “Hey Google, let’s chat,” but Gemini Live, camera-history search, and voice-powered automations require a Google Home Premium subscription priced at about $10 per month or $20 for the advanced tier.
  • A subset of newer Nest models supports the full Live experience (Nest Mini 2nd gen, Nest Audio, Nest Hub 2nd gen, Nest Hub Max), while older Home/Nest devices get the core Gemini upgrade without Live.
  • Google flags early limitations including short-term context, partial support for multi-action requests, non-deterministic responses, and potential errors for recent or real-time facts.
  • Google says Gemini will reach Google TV Streamer and more Google TV devices this winter, with broader international rollout expected in 2026 and a $99 Google Home Speaker planned for spring 2026.