Google Addresses User Questions About Gemini for Home and New Subscription Plans
Key Points
- Gemini for Home replaces Google Assistant on supported devices.
- Free update provides basic voice commands and device queries.
- Two paid tiers—Google Home Premium Standard and Advanced—replace Nest Aware.
- Paid plans add Gemini Live, AI automations, AI video search, and up to 60 days of video history.
- Early‑access program currently runs in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland for cameras and doorbells.
- Smart‑speaker early access slated for the US by the end of October; other countries will follow.
- Most Google speakers and displays made since 2015 are compatible; third‑party support is limited at launch.
- Walmart Onn devices are confirmed compatible.
- Redesigned Google Home app promises faster, more stable performance.
Google has released a detailed FAQ to clarify the rollout of Gemini for Home, its replacement of Google Assistant, and the new subscription tiers that succeed Nest Aware. The free update enables basic voice commands on supported devices, while paid tiers—Google Home Premium Standard and Advanced—add AI‑driven features like Gemini Live, automated routines, AI video search, and extended video history. Gemini for Home is currently in early‑access in several regions for cameras and doorbells, with smart speaker support slated for later in the United States. Compatibility spans most Google speakers and displays made since 2015, with limited third‑party support at launch.
What Is Gemini for Home?
Google introduced Gemini for Home as the next generation voice assistant, set to replace Google Assistant on both new and older hardware. The update is free and does not require an ongoing subscription. Users can employ Gemini to search for devices, ask quick status queries such as “are the bedroom lights on?”, and issue basic voice commands like “switch off the bedroom lights.”
Subscription Options and Features
Beyond the free tier, Google launched two paid subscription plans—Google Home Premium Standard and Google Home Premium Advanced—that replace the former Nest Aware service. These plans grant access to more conversational capabilities through Gemini Live, the ability to create AI‑driven automations, AI‑enhanced video‑clip search, and up to 60 days of video history from home security cameras. Additional perks include an AI‑powered Home Brief that summarizes smart‑home events and AI‑summarized motion‑detection notifications. Existing Nest Aware subscribers will be transitioned to the new plans, and the pricing structure mirrors the previous Nest Aware rates in the United States.
Rollout, Early Access, and Device Compatibility
Gemini for Home is currently available through an early‑access program in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, initially limited to cameras and doorbells. Users must enroll via the Google Home app by selecting “Early Access” from the Settings page. Smart‑speaker support via early access is expected by the end of October in the United States, with additional countries such as Japan, Mexico, and several European nations slated to join soon.
Most Google smart speakers and smart displays released since 2015 are eligible for the upgrade, though third‑party device support remains limited at launch. Google noted that it is working with other manufacturers, and the new Walmart Onn devices have already been confirmed as compatible. The redesigned Google Home app, which accompanies the rollout, promises faster performance and greater stability across the ecosystem.
Overall Impact
The introduction of Gemini for Home and the new subscription tiers marks a significant shift in Google’s smart‑home strategy, moving away from the fragmented experience that preceded it. By consolidating AI features, extending video‑history options, and offering a clear path for existing Nest Aware users, Google aims to streamline the user experience while expanding the capabilities of its smart‑home ecosystem.