Google is adding powerful new features to Google Home by deeply integrating its Gemini AI into the Google Home ecosystem. This upgrade will improve the Google Home app and also unlock advanced capabilities for third-party smart home devices using Google’s Home APIs.
One key enhancement is the addition of all Nest camera features to third-party devices. This means smart cameras connected through Google Home will soon support AI-powered functions like conversational search, intelligent alerts, and automatic event descriptions.
For example, your camera might soon tell you if a package was delivered or if kids left their bikes in the driveway — just by asking.
Google is also making smart home automation easier. The new Gemini-powered Automations API will offer helpful tools such as:
- Suggested Automations that recommend useful routines based on the devices in your home.
- “Help Me Create”, which lets you describe what you want to do in simple language, and Gemini will build the automation for you.
- New Automation Starters that use real-world data, like weather conditions, to create smarter triggers. For instance, if it rained, your sprinklers might adjust to avoid watering too much.
Additionally, Google is working on a Home Summary Widget for Pixel phones. This widget will give users a quick overview of their smart home’s status without opening the full app. It will highlight important info depending on the time of day — like cleaning progress during daytime or security system status at night.
Google is currently testing the widget with select Pixel users and plans to launch an early access program for Gemini-powered Home APIs later this year.
