Google is rolling out a major update to the Google Home app that centers on Gemini for Home. The update redefines the user control of Nest devices, as well as interaction with the smart home. It adds a new conversational feature, called Ask Home, and a new layout design that is designed to make common tasks quicker and easier.
New app layout
The updated app organizes the smart home into three main tabs. The Home tab gives a consolidated view of devices. The Activity tab collects alerts and events from all connected devices. The Automations tab is where users create and manage routines that run automatically. The interface also adds swipe gestures and faster navigation to speed up common actions.
Ask Home assistant
Ask Home sits at the top of the app as a persistent command option. It uses Gemini models to accept natural language requests. Users can ask it to find moments in a camera clip, create automations, or control multiple devices with a single command. Some more advanced features will be available to subscribers of Google Home Premium.
Google says that Gemini for Home will replace the old assistant on supported speakers and displays. The company is positioning Gemini to handle more complex and conversational tasks than the prior voice system. The feature set includes improved scene search, detailed camera summaries, and guidance on device actions.
The company also announced new Nest and Google Home devices that are built with Gemini in mind. These devices will offer enhanced audio and camera capabilities and will work closely with the new app experience.
Performance and reliability
Google rebuilt the app to improve speed and stability. The new version loads significantly faster on many Android devices. Camera views load more quickly, and playback failures should be less common. Google also reported a large drop in app crashes after the update. The company said it is also working on improving battery usage on phones.
What this means for users
For users, the update brings three clear benefits. First users get a single app that now manages both Home and Nest hardware. Second, users can ask a more capable AI to handle multi-step tasks with natural language. Third, the app should feel faster and more reliable for day-to-day use. Google will roll the update out globally starting today with staged availability.
Privacy and control
Google says it will give users control over what data Gemini uses to respond. The company will keep device settings and privacy controls in the app. Google has published documentation that explains how camera footage and other device data are processed by the system. Users who favor local processing can check the device settings in the new app to limit cloud features.
The company plans to offer some features behind a Google Home Premium subscription. That access model may affect how quickly users can access advanced Gemini-driven automations. Google will publish more pricing and availability details in regional rollout notes. Google has combined a cleaner interface with a more capable assistant. The new Home app is meant to do more than switch lights. It aims to let users ask real questions about their home and to receive clear answers. The rollout begins today and will expand region by region, so users should see the new experience arrive in weeks to come.