Google has unveiled a sweeping move into the smart home, integrating its Gemini AI across its longstanding Google Home devices and the core Google Home app. The centerpiece is a rebuilt app and a new hardware speaker, both designed to work with Gemini while introducing a paid tier that unlocks advanced capabilities. The strategy signals a push toward a more capable, connected home—albeit with a subscription to access the most powerful features.
Gemini Comes to the Smart Home
At the heart of the announcement is Gemini integration across Google’s smart home lineup, spanning devices the company has shipped since 2015. The app overhaul is described by Google as built from the ground up, with a refreshed three-tab interface that aims to streamline device management and automation. The Home tab centralizes control of thermostats, cameras, locks, and other smart devices. The Activity tab provides a complete event history, while Automations offers a quick editor for more sophisticated routines. Google claims the rebuilt app loads up to 70% faster on select Android devices and uses less battery and memory, a welcome improvement for power users.
New App Features: Ask Home and Smarter Alerts
One standout feature is Ask Home, a conversational interface that lets users manage devices, search camera clips, and trigger complex actions with a single instruction. This auditory-first approach aims to simplify routine setup and hands-free control. Notifications have also been upgraded to deliver more context, with descriptions like “delivery person with flowers” instead of a generic alert. The result is a more proactive and informative home-monitoring experience, one that reduces the need to sift through multiple apps or feeds.
Google Home Speaker: A New Hub for Gemini
Alongside software, Google is introducing a new Google Home Speaker, slated to ship in spring 2026 at a price point around $100. The circular, flat-bodied device features a fabric cover and bottom LED lighting, delivering 360-degree audio and the option to pair two units for stereo sound. It will also integrate with Google TV for enhanced TV audio experiences. A physical switch to disable the microphone is included to support privacy-conscious users, and the device is designed to work smoothly with Gemini so users can schedule, chat, and manage routines across devices with fewer taps.
Google Home Premium: Access to Gemini’s Deep Capabilities
Quality automation and real-time assistance aren’t free, though. Google introduced Google Home Premium, a paid tier that centralizes the company’s most advanced features. The plan grants access to continuous Gemini Live conversations, daily summaries (Home Brief), smarter alerts, and enhanced recognition capabilities. Pricing options are $10 per month or $20 per month for an advanced track. Existing Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers will receive the benefits within their plan, but most users will face an additional monthly charge to unlock the full suite of capabilities.
Response and Implications: Worth the Cost?
The rollout has sparked debate online. Supporters argue the combination of a faster app, a smarter assistant, and a feature-rich speaker delivers a genuinely improved smart home experience. Critics warn that many of Gemini’s most powerful features are gated behind a recurring subscription, turning a high-end smart home into an ongoing expense. For some households, the added cost may be a reasonable trade-off for seamless automation and deeper insights; for others, it could complicate monthly budgeting or pressure users to settle for a pared-down experience.
Rollout Plan: Across Existing and New Devices
Google plans to bring Gemini to all smart home devices released over the past decade, ensuring current customers gain access to the upgraded capabilities before the new speaker arrives. The intent is to deliver a unified, AI-powered home experience across hardware generations, while introducing the premium tier as the monetized path to the most advanced features. The strategy emphasizes both backward compatibility and future enhancements aligned with Gemini’s latest capabilities.
What It Means for the Smart Home Landscape
In sum, Google’s Gemini-enabled smart home promises speed, intelligence, and deeper automation. The major question is whether users will willingly pay the ongoing premium for the most powerful features or opt for a lighter experience that still delivers core control and convenience. As the company expands Gemini across hardware and software, the line between free features and paid upgrades will likely shape how other smart home ecosystems evolve in the years to come.
