Google Rolls Out Gemini-Powered Google Assistant to Select Nest Users
Google has begun slowly rolling out a Gemini-powered version of the Google Assistant to some users with select Nest smart speakers. This move marks an exciting development in the world of voice assistants, as the tech giant aims to bring more advanced AI capabilities to its popular Google Home platform.
A Smarter Google Assistant for Your Home
As announced by Google in August, the company is working on a new and improved version of the Google Assistant that will be capable of answering wider-ranging questions with more in-depth responses. This enhanced assistant, powered by Gemini, will still handle tasks like smart home management and music requests, but users can expect to hear a distinctive chime before receiving an AI-powered answer.
Gemini-Powered Answers and Follow-Up Questions
The Gemini-enhanced Google Assistant on Nest speakers will be able to provide more comprehensive answers to your general knowledge questions. This is similar to the experience offered by Gemini on Android and iOS devices, where users can engage with a conversational AI that provides detailed information on various topics.
When interacting with the Gemini-powered Google Assistant, you’ll have the option to ask follow-up questions and even interrupt the response to pose another query. However, it’s essential to note that each time you initiate a conversation, you’ll still need to say "Hey Google" to activate the assistant.
Availability and Compatibility
The Gemini-enhanced Google Assistant is currently only available on select Nest smart speakers, including:
- Nest Audio
- Nest Mini (2nd gen)
- However, users with earlier generations of speakers or those who have Nest smart displays won’t be able to access this feature.
Furthermore, the AI-powered answers are exclusive to users who have opted in to Google Home’s Public Preview and are also part of the Nest Aware program. The Experimental AI features option is not available to all Preview participants.
Getting Started with Gemini-Powered Google Assistant
If you’re one of the lucky users selected to test the Gemini-enhanced Google Assistant, you’ll receive a notification in your Google Home App inbox. This notification will guide you through enabling the Experimental AI features button, which will grant you access to the following:
- Gemini-powered camera search and descriptions: This feature helps filter Nest security camera footage (requires Nest Aware Plus).
- Help me create: This feature allows you to set up a Google Home routine with just a few words.
Google Takes the Lead in Generative AI-Powered Features
While this rollout is currently limited, it’s worth noting that Google is the first of the big three tech companies (alongside Amazon and Apple) to publicly launch new generative AI-powered features on its voice assistant. This indicates that Google is at the forefront of integrating advanced AI capabilities into its smart home offerings.
After Amazon’s announcement of a smarter Alexa last year, the company has yet to deliver on this promise. Meanwhile, Apple remains silent about potential improvements to Siri for its smart home ecosystem.
Conclusion
The introduction of Gemini-powered Google Assistant marks an exciting development in the world of voice assistants. With its ability to provide more comprehensive answers and support follow-up questions, this enhanced assistant is poised to revolutionize the way users interact with their smart homes. As Google continues to refine and expand this feature, we can expect a significant shift in the landscape of AI-powered voice assistants.
