As Amazon and Apple tread cautiously in adopting generative AI for their smart speakers, Google is taking a bold step forward by introducing Gemini AI on select Nest Audio and Nest Home Mini devices. The rollout started earlier this month when users noticed Google Assistant adopting a new voice—deeper, more conversational, and more verbose than the usual Assistant responses. Google has now confirmed that the new voice belongs to Gemini and has detailed how users can access this experimental feature.
To enable Gemini on your Nest device, you’ll need to follow a series of steps. First, sign up for Google Home’s Public Preview program, which offers early access to experimental features at no cost. Once accepted, you’ll eventually receive an invitation to enable Experimental AI features via the Google Home app. A key requirement for accessing Gemini is a subscription to Nest Aware, Google’s premium service that starts at $8 per month and includes features like 30 days of video history and intelligent alerts. The $15-per-month Nest Aware Plus plan extends video history to 60 days. Additionally, you’ll need to activate Voice Match to link your voice to your Google Home profile, ensuring personalized responses. Unfortunately, Nest Hub displays are not eligible for this test, leaving Nest Audio and Nest Home Mini as the supported hardware.
Once activated, Gemini brings a new level of intelligence and conversational ability to Nest speakers. While standard Google Assistant responses are concise and direct, Gemini is designed to tackle broader, more open-ended questions. For example, you might ask, “Hey Google, can giraffes talk to each other?” to hear a detailed, AI-powered response, complete with a chime indicating that Gemini is at work. One of the standout features is the ability to ask follow-up questions without needing to repeat the wake words, creating a smoother conversational flow.
However, Google is clear about the limitations of its new AI. Gemini is an experimental feature, and its answers may not always be accurate. Users are advised to verify information and avoid relying on the AI for critical decisions, such as those involving health, finances, or legal matters. Despite these caveats, the introduction of Gemini on Nest devices represents a significant leap forward for Google’s smart home ecosystem. With its ability to provide more natural and detailed responses, Gemini has the potential to redefine how users interact with AI-powered assistants. As Google continues to refine this technology, it’s clear that generative AI is set to play a central role in the future of smart home devices.