The Google Home extension for Gemini is finally launching after some time in Google’s public preview program. This extension allows users to control their smart home devices and accessories with more natural speech through the Gemini app.
No longer a hidden Gemini
Google says the Home extension can help users control an array of devices such as lights, fans, ACs, blinds, TVs, speakers, washers, coffee machines, and more. All users need is a Google account with their devices connected and a phone or tablet to bark commands into.
Google is taking it further with additional functions for the Google Home extension. Users can also control simple smart home devices like lights, from their phones’ home screen, giving users the ability to switch on the lights before they enter the house, for example.
Gemini can also execute complex and detailed requests with its ability to understand context. For instance, it can understand and follow a user’s request to switch on all lights except for the bedroom and the study desk lamp. If the user changes their mind and asks for a kitchen light to be dimmed and the bedroom light turned off, the AI agent can understand and adapt. It can also answer questions like, “Is the garage light still on?”
Lastly, the Gemini app can also automatically open the Google Home app for other supported actions like lock options, camera actions, and others. This comes in handy because the Google Home extension can’t access some security devices, meaning it can’t do certain actions like unlock your door for you.
Google emphasizes that Google Home features are for convenience only, and implores users to exercise caution for tasks that can compromise safety or security if Gemini fails to correctly follow instructions. The ability to more naturally communicate with the smart objects in your home brings us one step closer to Jetsons-esque smart homes.
