Google has started rolling out a new version of the Google Assistant to select users of its Nest smart speakers. This updated Assistant is powered by the company’s Gemini AI technology, which was first teased in August as part of a smarter Google Assistant for the home.
What is Gemini?
Gemini is an artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by Google that can provide more in-depth and informative answers to users’ questions. This technology has been used in various Google products, including Android and iOS devices, where it can answer wider-ranging questions with more detailed responses.
How Does the New Assistant Work?
The new Gemini-powered Google Assistant on Nest speakers is designed to handle general knowledge questions, providing AI-powered answers that are similar to those found on Android and iOS devices. When you ask a question using this feature, you’ll hear a chime before the Assistant responds with an in-depth answer.
However, it’s worth noting that the regular Google Assistant will still be handling other tasks, such as controlling smart home devices and playing music. You can also ask follow-up questions and interrupt the response to ask another question, although you’ll need to say "Hey Google" each time.
Availability and Limitations
The Gemini-enhanced Assistant is currently only available on Nest Audio and Nest Mini (2nd gen) smart speakers. Unfortunately, users with older generations of Nest speakers or those who don’t have a compatible device will not be able to access this feature.
To use the Experimental AI features, including Gemini-powered Google Assistant, you’ll need to be part of Google Home’s Public Preview program and also a Nest Aware subscriber. Additionally, you must opt-in to Experimental AI features in your Google Home App settings.
Experimental AI Features
If you’re selected to participate in the Experimental AI features, you’ll receive a notification in your Google Home App inbox. This will allow you to toggle on an Experimental AI features button and start testing Gemini-powered Google Assistant.
In addition to the new AI-powered answers, this feature also grants access to other generative AI-powered features announced by Google in August:
- Gemini-Powered Camera Search and Descriptions: This feature allows users to filter their Nest security camera footage using Gemini’s descriptive capabilities. To use this feature, you’ll need a Nest Aware Plus subscription.
- Help Me Create: With this feature, users can set up a Google Home routine with just a few words, making it easier to automate smart home tasks.
Google Leads the Way in Generative AI for Smart Homes
While the rollout of Gemini-powered Google Assistant is limited at present, Google has taken an important step forward in integrating generative AI technology into its voice assistant. This development puts Google ahead of other tech giants like Amazon and Apple in terms of publicly launching new, generative AI-powered features on their voice assistants.
Amazon’s Alexa was heavily promoted last year as a smarter alternative to traditional voice assistants, but the company has yet to deliver on this promise. Apple, on the other hand, has been relatively silent about its plans for a smarter Siri in the smart home.
Conclusion
The integration of Gemini AI technology into Google Assistant marks an exciting development in the world of smart homes and voice assistants. While availability is currently limited, this rollout represents a significant step forward in leveraging generative AI to provide users with more informative and detailed responses.
As this feature continues to roll out to more users and devices, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements in how Google Assistant interacts with our daily lives.
