Google Gemini for Home Rolls Out in US with Early Access Now Available

Google smart home users in the United States can now access an early version of Gemini for Home, the company’s next-generation AI assistant, which began rolling out in early access on Tuesday. This marks a major evolution for Google’s smart home ecosystem, as Gemini for Home is set to replace the current Google Assistant on Nest devices. Built on Google’s Gemini large language model, the new assistant delivers more natural, conversational interactions and can handle complex, multi-step tasks more effectively than its predecessor. It’s designed to understand context better and respond with greater nuance, offering a more intuitive experience across smart speakers, displays, and other compatible devices. To get early access, users must first ensure they’re eligible. Start by opening the Google Groups app and navigating to “Global Settings.” Make sure the option “Add me to their groups” is enabled—this allows you to be considered for early access when you request it. Next, open the Google Home app, tap your profile picture (or initials if you haven’t set one), and go to “Home settings.” Look for the “Early access” option and select it to submit your request. If approved, you’ll be enrolled in the program and Gemini for Home will automatically replace Google Assistant on all your compatible Nest devices. Once you join, you won’t be able to switch back to the original Google Assistant. Some advanced features, however, require a Google Home Premium subscription. These include Gemini Live, which enables real-time, voice-based conversations, and the ability to search through your camera history using natural language queries. The rollout is currently limited to select users, and Google is using early access to test performance, gather feedback, and refine the experience before a wider release. As AI continues to shape the future of home automation, Gemini for Home represents a key step in Google’s effort to make its smart home platform more intelligent, responsive, and user-friendly.