Overview
- Google has started Early Access in the United States to swap Google Assistant for Gemini on eligible Nest speakers and displays, with enrollment found in the Google Home app under Home Settings > Early Access.
- Standard help still responds to “Hey Google,” while saying “Hey Google, let’s chat” launches Gemini Live for free‑flowing, interruptible conversations.
- Advanced features including the full Gemini Live experience, camera‑history search, and AI assistance for automations require a Google Home Premium subscription, reported at $10 and $20 per month.
- Support differs by device, with newer Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, Nest Audio, and Nest Mini (2nd gen) supporting the premium experience and older models getting the free replacement only, and devices cannot be reverted to Google Assistant once switched.
- Google warns of early limitations such as non‑deterministic responses, short conversational memory, partial support for multi‑action smart‑home commands, and possible inaccuracies, with broader language and regional expansion planned for 2026.