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Google Begins Early Access Rollout of Gemini for Home on Nest Speakers and Displays in the US

Users must opt in via the Google Home app, with no way to revert once enabled.

Overview

  • The preview is available in the US for Nest speakers and displays set to English, and enrollment requires Google Home app version 4.1 or later via Profile > Early Access.
  • Gemini Live’s continuous conversation mode requires a Google Home Premium subscription and works on Nest Mini (2nd gen), Nest Audio, Nest Hub (2nd gen), and Nest Hub Max.
  • Older devices including Google Home, Home Mini (1st gen), Home Max, Nest Hub (1st gen), and Nest Wifi point receive the free Gemini for Home assistant that replaces Google Assistant.
  • New capabilities include more natural music and podcast requests, multi-part smart-home commands for lights, cameras, and thermostats, and subscriber access to AI camera event descriptions.
  • Google flags limitations such as non-deterministic answers, short conversational memory, possible inaccuracies, and Gemini Live’s sensitivity to background noise, with broader language support planned for early 2026.