Google Gemini Replaces Google Assistant on Google Home Devices

Google Gemini Replaces Google Assistant on Google Home Devices

Google is making a big change to its smart home experience: Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on Google Home devices. While the familiar wake phrase “Hey Google” will remain, it will now activate Gemini instead of the older Assistant.

This move marks the end of nearly a decade of Google Assistant, which first launched in 2016 as a competitor to Amazon Alexa. With Gemini, powered by large language models, users can now interact in a more natural and conversational way without sticking to strict commands.

Why Google Is Moving from Assistant to Gemini

When Google Assistant launched, it promised a smarter home experience, but it often fell short. It was great for tasks like checking the weather but struggled with more complex automation.

Now, Gemini changes that. For example, instead of manually creating routines, you can simply say:
“Turn on the lights and close the shades, and turn on the sound machine every night at 9 pm.”

Gemini understands context and can continue conversations, making interactions feel smoother and more human.

What’s New with Google Home and Gemini

Alongside Gemini’s rollout, Google is updating its Google Home app with a new design that highlights these AI features. You’ll also get:

• 10 new natural-sounding voices to choose from
  
• Smarter answers without being redirected to Google Search
  
• Context-aware conversations that don’t require repeating yourself
  

And yes, it works for everyone in the home—whether that’s kids, guests, or parents—since smart homes are shared spaces.

New Google Home Devices

To support this new era, Google has also announced new smart home devices:

• Google Home Speaker – $100 (launching early 2026)
  
• Nest Cam Indoor 2K – $100
  
• Nest Cam Outdoor 2K – $150
  
• Nest Doorbell 2K – $180
  

In addition, Walmart’s Onn brand is launching budget-friendly indoor cameras and doorbells that integrate directly with the Google Home app.

Gemini Is Coming to Old Devices Too

Unlike Amazon, which requires buying new Echo devices to get Alexa+, Google is making Gemini available to existing Google Home and Nest devices going back to 2016.

From the original Google Home speaker to the first Nest Cam, users can sign up for Early Access via the Google Home app to try Gemini before it fully rolls out. However, third-party devices like Lenovo smart displays won’t be supported.

TechCity