In early October 2025, Google announced that the Gemini AI assistant would officially take over from Google Assistant in its smart home offerings. This transition has already begun with devices like the new Pixel 10 and Pixel Watches, but it’s the first significant integration of Gemini into smart home products. It brings a wealth of new features, more fluid conversations, and enhanced AI processing capabilities for tasks and inquiries.
Accompanying the announcement is new hardware, including an upgraded Google Home Speaker designed to accommodate Gemini Live’s more natural conversation style and the on-device processing necessary for advanced AI functionalities. This speaker will provide quicker and smoother responses, along with additional audio enhancements. However, upgrading is not mandatory at this time. If you own an older model Google speaker, it will still function. Gemini will be available on all Google and Nest devices released over the past ten years. While the experience may not be as seamless as with the latest version, including rapid and smooth interactions, these speakers will remain usable for the foreseeable future.
Which Google speakers remain supported?
Google is extending Gemini’s compatibility to its Google Home and Nest devices launched since 2015, allowing you to continue using them with the latest Gemini access. Specifically regarding smart speakers, this encompasses the Google Home (2016), Google Home Mini (2016), Google Home Max (2017), Nest Mini (2019), and Nest Audio (2020). For smart displays, which enhance the experience with a screen, you can utilize the Nest Hub (2018), Nest Hub Max (2019), and Nest Hub 2nd-gen (2021). Moreover, support also covers security cameras and video doorbells you may have in your ecosystem.
Gemini Live necessitates a subscription, but it will offer a more natural interaction compared to the usual robotic commands and responses you’ve become familiar with from Google Assistant. Most significantly, the speakers will grasp context. For example, if you ask Gemini to add ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese to your grocery list, it will recognize which items to include and may even inquire about how many servings you need to adjust the quantities accordingly. If you’re starting your workday and request it to turn on the lights, Gemini will understand that you mean in the home office.
Some features require payment
It’s important to note that while your older Google Home smart speaker will upgrade to Gemini, to access advanced features like an interactive Gemini Live conversation, you will need a Google Home Premium subscription starting at $10 per month. With this subscription, you can engage with Gemini and start conversations without needing a trigger phrase like “Hey Google.” Nevertheless, even without signing up, you can still use basic Gemini functionalities.
The features are being gradually rolled out, so you may have to wait until late October 2025 to access them. If you’re particularly keen, open the Google Home app and tap your Profile icon in the top-right corner. Go to Home Settings > Early access, and wait for a notification when it’s ready. Additionally, the app is undergoing a complete redesign. You’ll benefit from upgrades such as a unified view of all your connected devices, new gestures, an Activity Tab, an Automation Tab, and more. While using your current smart speaker is a great way to explore with equipment you already own, you will achieve an even better experience with the latest model, so consider planning for a hardware upgrade eventually.
