Google has started rolling out its Gemini-powered Assistant to some users, bringing a new voice and better responses. This update, announced in August, uses Gemini’s large language models to make Assistant’s replies more conversational and engaging.
Depending on the command, Nest users may hear the traditional voice for simple queries like “What’s the weather?” while the new voice is activated for more conversational prompts.
For example, on the Nest Mini, asking “What’s up?” triggers a warmer, more natural voice with a response like, “I’m just putting the finishing touches on my New Year’s plan,” which is a significant departure from the previous tone.
The new voice has been customized specifically for this Assistant, aiming for better pacing and a more natural flow. This is designed to help users engage in longer, more interactive conversations with Assistant, including follow-up questions.
In addition to the new voice, Google is also enhancing the Assistant’s abilities with features like richer, clearer responses to complex topics and improved understanding of multi-part questions.
However, the “improved Assistant” option has not yet been seen in the Google Home app, and it’s unclear when it will be available to everyone.
