Google Rolls Out Gemini for Home, Starting in the US
Key Points
- Gemini for Home will replace Google Assistant on smart speakers and displays.
- Rollout starts in the United States; other markets receive it in the first quarter of 2026.
- Upgrade is managed by individual home addresses, not by user accounts.
- Users should ensure their home address is up to date in the Google Home app.
- Early feedback describes the change as a major improvement, though some issues remain.
- The update supports devices up to ten years old.
- Basic AI features stay free; advanced Gemini tools require a paid subscription.
Google has detailed the rollout of Gemini for Home, its next‑generation AI that will replace Google Assistant on smart speakers, displays, and other home devices. The update will first reach users in the United States, with additional markets slated for the first quarter of 2026. Rollout is tied to individual home addresses rather than user accounts, meaning each residence is upgraded separately. Early users report the change as a major improvement, though the transition has not been seamless for everyone. Google encourages feedback through voice commands and notes that the upgrade will support devices up to a decade old, with basic AI features free and advanced capabilities available via a paid subscription.
Gemini for Home Overview
Google announced that Gemini for Home, the company’s latest AI platform, is set to replace Google Assistant across its smart home ecosystem. The new system is designed to run on smart speakers, smart displays, and other connected devices, extending the reach of Gemini’s capabilities to homes that have been using Google’s services for years.
Rollout Timeline and Geography
The rollout will begin with users in the United States. Google indicated that additional markets will receive the update in the first quarter of 2026, meaning the expansion will occur before the end of March 2026. The company emphasized that the deployment is organized by home address rather than by individual Google accounts, allowing households that manage multiple homes to see each location upgraded on its own schedule.
How the Upgrade Is Managed
To ensure a smooth transition, Google advises users to verify that their home address listed in the Google Home app is current. Users can update their address by tapping their profile picture, selecting “Manage your Google Account,” and editing the personal information section. There is no guarantee of when a particular home will be next in line; the process relies on a combination of address verification and participation in early‑access programs.
User Feedback and Early Reactions
Google has invited users to share their impressions by saying, “Okay Google, send feedback,” near a smart speaker or display. Early adopters have described the experience as a “massive improvement,” a “game changer,” and “awesome,” though the company acknowledges that some users have also reported challenges during the transition.
Device Compatibility and Subscription Model
The Gemini update is compatible with Google smart home devices that are up to ten years old, extending the lifespan of older hardware. Basic AI features will remain free for all users, while more advanced Gemini functionalities will be offered through a Google Home Premium subscription that requires a paid plan.
Looking Ahead
Google’s move to replace Google Assistant with Gemini for Home reflects the company’s broader strategy to embed its most advanced generative AI across consumer products. By tying the rollout to physical addresses and encouraging direct user feedback, Google aims to refine the experience as it expands globally over the next several years.