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Google Launches Gemini for Home, Replacing Assistant and Debuting New Nest Cameras

Google starts an opt-in Early Access rollout to existing Nest devices with advanced AI features gated by tiered Home Premium plans.

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Overview

  • Gemini now replaces Google Assistant on Google’s smart speakers and displays via Early Access, bringing more natural, context-aware voice interactions with new voices while keeping the “Hey Google” wake phrase.
  • New Nest Cam Indoor ($99.99), Nest Cam Outdoor ($149.99) and Nest Doorbell ($179.99) go on sale now with 2K HDR, wider views (cams 152° diagonal; doorbell 1:1 at 166°), improved low light, encrypted video, a green activity LED, and six hours of included event history.
  • The Google Home app is redesigned around Gemini with Home, Activity and Automations tabs, a persistent Ask Home natural-language control, Home Brief summaries, and major performance gains including faster loading and fewer crashes.
  • Google Home Premium subscriptions start at $10/month for Gemini Live, intelligent alerts and 30-day event history, with a $20/month tier adding Ask Home video search, AI notifications and descriptions, Home Brief, 60-day event clips and 24/7 video history.
  • A $99 Google Home Speaker engineered for Gemini ships in Spring 2026, and Walmart’s onn-branded wired camera (~$23) and doorbell (~$50) are available now, as Gemini features roll out first in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia with broader expansion planned in 2026.