Article Title:
Gemini for Home Extends to Third-Party Google Assistant Speakers
In a significant development, Google’s Gemini for Home voice assistant is now operational on select third-party Google Assistant-enabled speakers. This expansion broadens the reach of Gemini beyond Google’s proprietary Nest devices, bringing advanced voice assistant capabilities to a wider array of hardware.
Gemini for Home represents Google’s latest enhancement to the smart home experience, offering more natural interactions and improved functionality over the traditional Google Assistant. Initially, the rollout was anticipated to be exclusive to Google’s own devices, including the original Google Home and the Nest Audio. However, recent reports indicate that third-party devices are also receiving this update.
Users have reported that older third-party Assistant speakers have been updated to Gemini for Home. Google previously commented that it was working with brands to make this happen, but it wasn’t expected to happen quite this quickly, or on some of the devices that have appeared. The most notable example is a Redditor who received the Gemini update on the aforementioned Insignia speaker from Best Buy. We know that this is Gemini for Home and not just Assistant with Gemini voices as the speaker responds to who are you with a response about Gemini for Home specifically. Some users also claim that the Lenovo Smart Clock series has also been updated alongside Nest devices, though the proof isn’t quite as firm.
This unexpected expansion suggests that Google’s collaboration with third-party manufacturers is yielding faster results than anticipated. The inclusion of devices like the Insignia speaker and potentially the Lenovo Smart Clock series indicates a broader compatibility than initially projected.
The Gemini for Home update brings several enhancements to the user experience. Users can now issue more complex and natural voice commands, such as:
– Play that song from [movie] where [scene in the movie]
– Remind me to make a reservation one month before Mother’s Day
– Set a 20-minute timer called ‘Rice’ and a 25-minute timer called ‘Chicken’
These improvements are part of Google’s broader strategy to integrate advanced AI capabilities into everyday devices, making interactions more intuitive and context-aware.
The rollout of Gemini for Home to third-party devices is still in its early stages, and the full list of compatible hardware remains to be seen. Users who have received the update on non-Google devices are encouraged to share their experiences and device models to help map the extent of this expansion.
This development marks a significant step in making advanced voice assistant technology more accessible, regardless of the device manufacturer. As the rollout continues, it will be interesting to observe how this influences the smart home ecosystem and user engagement with voice-activated technology.
