Google has officially commenced the rollout of its Gemini artificial intelligence integration to smart home devices, marking a significant evolution in how users interact with their connected home ecosystems. This comprehensive upgrade brings generative AI capabilities to existing Nest products at no additional cost, while also introducing new hardware offerings that leverage these enhanced features.
Gemini AI Replaces Google Assistant Across Smart Home Ecosystem
The most transformative aspect of this update involves Gemini completely replacing Google Assistant across all compatible smart home devices. This includes cameras, video doorbells, and speakers, fundamentally changing how these devices process and respond to user commands. The generative AI technology enables devices to understand and respond in natural language with significantly improved contextual awareness and conversational capabilities.
Early Access Program Now Available for Eager Users
Google has initiated the rollout through an early access program, with some users already receiving notifications that Gemini for Home is available in their Google Home app. To participate, users must sign up separately through the Google Home app version 4.0 and above by navigating to Settings and selecting Early Access. This program operates independently from Google Home's existing public preview program, requiring separate enrollment even for current preview participants.
Early Access Program Requirements
- Google Home app version 4.0 or above
- Separate signup required (independent from public preview program)
- Access through Settings > Early Access in Google Home app
- Currently rolling out to signed-up users via email notifications
Comprehensive Device Compatibility Across Nest Product Line
The upgrade demonstrates remarkable backward compatibility, supporting most existing Nest devices without requiring hardware replacements. The rollout began with cameras and doorbells on October 1st across multiple regions including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Smart speakers and displays will receive broader rollout later this month in the US, with international expansion planned for early 2026.
Gemini for Home Rollout Timeline
- October 1, 2025: Cameras and doorbells rollout began (US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland)
- Later October 2025: Smart speakers and displays broader rollout (US only)
- Early 2026: International expansion for speakers and displays
- Spring 2026: Google Home Speaker hardware release
New Hardware Lineup Showcases Enhanced AI Capabilities
Alongside the software upgrades, Google unveiled several new hardware products designed to maximize Gemini's potential. The upcoming Google Home Speaker, scheduled for spring 2026 at USD $99, will feature 360-degree audio and can function as audio output for Google TV Streamer devices. The speaker will be available in four color options, providing aesthetic flexibility for different home environments.
New Hardware Pricing and Availability
| Product | Price | Availability | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Home Speaker | USD $99 | Spring 2026 | 360-degree audio, 4 colors, Google TV Streamer compatibility |
| Nest Cam Indoor/Outdoor | TBA | TBA | 2K resolution, wider field of view |
| Nest Doorbell | TBA | TBA | 1:1 aspect ratio, zoomed previews |
| onn Indoor Camera | USD $23 | Available | Walmart partnership |
| onn Video Doorbell | USD $50 | Available | Walmart partnership |
Enhanced Camera Technology with Improved Field of View
The new Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor models represent significant improvements over their predecessors, featuring 2K resolution and expanded field of view capabilities. These enhancements provide both wider and taller coverage areas, ensuring more comprehensive monitoring of designated spaces. The improved resolution delivers clearer image quality for both live viewing and recorded footage analysis.
Innovative Doorbell Design Captures More Complete Coverage
Google's new Nest Doorbell introduces a 1:1 aspect ratio design philosophy, enabling the device to capture significantly more footage in each frame compared to traditional rectangular formats. This square format proves particularly effective for doorbell applications, as it captures both visitors and packages more completely. The device also supports zoomed-in preview functionality within notifications, allowing users to quickly assess situations without opening the full application.
Strategic Partnership Expands Affordable Options
Through a partnership with Walmart, Google has introduced budget-friendly alternatives with the onn Indoor Camera priced at USD $23 and the onn Video Doorbell at USD $50. These products make smart home technology more accessible to price-conscious consumers while maintaining integration with the broader Google ecosystem and Gemini AI capabilities.