Google’s Gemini AI is now on Nest smart speakers

Google Rolls Out Gemini-Powered Google Assistant to Select Nest Smart Speakers

Google Teases Smarter Assistant for Home

Google has started rolling out a Gemini-powered Google Assistant to some Google Home users on select Nest smart speakers. The company first teased a smarter Google Assistant for the home in August and is starting with Gemini-powered answers to general knowledge questions. The regular Google Assistant will still handle smart home and music requests, but you’ll hear a chime before the Assistant responds with an AI-powered answer.

What’s New with Gemini-Powered Google Assistant?

As detailed by Google in a new support document, Gemini in Google Assistant on Nest speakers can answer wider-ranging questions with more in-depth answers, similar to Gemini on Android and iOS. You can also ask it follow-up questions and interrupt the response to ask another question, although you’ll still need to say "Hey Google" each time.

Availability and Compatibility

First spotted by 9to5Google, the Gemini-enhanced Assistant began appearing on speakers earlier this month. However, it’s only available on Nest Audio and Nest Mini (2nd gen) smart speakers — Nest smart displays or earlier generations speakers aren’t compatible. The AI-powered answers are also only open to users in Google Home’s Public Preview, who are also Nest Aware subscribers and who have opted in to Experimental AI features. However, that last option isn’t available to everyone in the Preview.

How to Enable Experimental AI Features

As detailed in this support document, if you’re selected to use Experimental AI features, you’ll receive a notification in your Google Home App inbox. This will let you toggle on an Experimental AI features button to start testing Gemini-powered Google Assistant.

Conclusion

The Gemini-powered Google Assistant is a step forward in making Google’s smart speaker technology more intelligent and capable. With its ability to answer more in-depth questions and provide follow-up answers, it’s an exciting development for those invested in the Google Home ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Gemini-powered Google Assistant?
A: The Gemini-powered Google Assistant is a new feature that provides more in-depth answers to general knowledge questions, similar to Gemini on Android and iOS.

Q: Which devices support the Gemini-powered Google Assistant?
A: The feature is currently available on Nest Audio and Nest Mini (2nd gen) smart speakers.

Q: Who can use the Gemini-powered Google Assistant?
A: The feature is available to users in Google Home’s Public Preview, who are also Nest Aware subscribers and who have opted in to Experimental AI features.

Q: How do I enable Experimental AI features?
A: You’ll receive a notification in your Google Home App inbox, and you can toggle on the Experimental AI features button to start testing the Gemini-powered Google Assistant.