Google’s New Gemini-Enhanced Assistant Starts Rolling Out to Nest Devices
A subtle change is sweeping through Google smart speakers, as a select group of users reports hearing a new, more natural voice from their Nest devices. This update is part of Google’s long-awaited Gemini makeover for Google Assistant, promising a more conversational experience and enhanced comprehension.
In one Reddit video, a Nest Mini user asked, “Hey Google, what’s up?” and was met with an unexpectedly chatty response: “What’s happening right now is that we’re on a giant rock moving through space at 1,000 miles an hour and orbiting a giant star made up mostly of hydrogen. Also, we’re chatting, which I enjoy.” However, when the user followed up with a simple weather query, the Assistant responded in its regular, standard voice, providing the usual forecast.
To check if your device has received the Gemini update, 9to5Google suggests asking, “Hey Google, what’s up?” If the reply is, “I’m just putting the finishing touches on my New Year’s plan,” the update hasn’t yet arrived.
Google’s announcement in August confirmed that Nest devices would be getting an upgrade via the Gemini platform, designed to make Google Assistant sound more natural and improve its ability to understand complex requests. While this new voice won’t be as advanced as something like ChatGPT, users can expect smoother conversations and fewer robotic pauses when interacting with their devices.
The Gemini-powered Assistant will take care of more engaging, conversational questions, while the traditional voice will still be used for simple tasks like weather updates. One key feature is the ability for users to ask follow-up questions without repeating the “Hey Google” wake word, making interactions feel more fluid and intuitive.
This new feature will be available on all existing Nest speakers, including the Nest Mini. In contrast, Amazon is taking a similar approach with Alexa’s upcoming upgrades, while Apple’s new smart assistant, rumored for next year, will be limited to its most recent hardware.