Google is rolling out Gemini for Home to replace Assistant & launching a new Home 4.0 app

Google is now officially rolling out Gemini for Home, its previously announced and highly anticipated AI assistant that will fully replace Google Assistant on all smart speakers and displays, including older models like the original Google Home. The new assistant powered by Google Gemini introduces a more conversational AI that understands context, supports chained commands, and can handle tasks without rigid phrasing. Users can still use “Hey Google,” but Gemini also enables natural back-and-forth conversations without repeating the wake word through Gemini Live, and allows automations to be created directly by voice. Features also extend to cameras, with smarter motion alerts, semantic understanding of visuals, natural language video search through tools like Ask Home, and Home Brief to summarize hours of footage.

Some of these features, including Gemini Live, AI-powered notifications, Ask Home, Home Brief, and expanded 30-day cloud video storage, require a $10/month Google Home Premium subscription, which is also bundled with Google’s AI Pro and Ultra tiers. The update applies to all supported devices from the last decade, with new Gemini-compatible doorbells and cameras from Walmart joining the ecosystem.

Alongside the new AI assistant, Google is also releasing the biggest redesign of Google Home to date. The new version centralizes device control with tabs for Home, Activity, and Automations, and adds a persistent Ask Home bar for natural language commands. Nest devices are now fully managed in the app, which also improves camera performance with faster live feeds, smoother video history, and fewer playback failures. Google claims the app loads up to 70% faster, reduces crashes by nearly 80%, and consumes less battery. The rollout began October 1, with early access available through the app’s settings.