Everything New? – Gemini Should Breathe New Life into Google Home
Table of Contents
Google is rolling out a series of updates to its smart home ecosystem, centered around the integration of Gemini, its AI model. Cameras and the loudspeaker are now available for purchase in Germany.
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, with cable, 3rd Generation) costs 99.99€ and offers 2K-Videos and extensive integration of Gemini. While some of the AI features sound exciting, the author notes that technically better-equipped cameras with 4K resolution are available from manufacturers like Xiaomi for €60. The price/performance ratio isn’t improved by the fact that some of Google’s most exciting innovations are behind a paywall.
The Google Nest Cam (Outdoor, with cable, 2nd Generation) is also available for 149.99€ and largely mirrors the functionality of the indoor camera. A notable feature of both models is support for both Google Assistant, Gemini, and Amazon Alexa.
The New Design of the Google Home App
While many of these innovations will likely not reach Europe until the end of the year, the Google Home app has already received an update introducing a new design for the homepage and navigation. The animations in the favorite view are described as looking “really chic.”
Though, for European users, the update is currently “only a new coat of paint.” Ask home – described as an AI assistant within the Google Home app intended to help with automation – is currently launching only in Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom, and only in French and English. Therefore, European users likely will have to wait until the end of the year or beyond for this feature.
Users who want to access innovations early can activate the Preview program within the Google Home app by going to Settings and navigating to the Public preview sub-point. The author states they will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as soon as they can use Gemini on their speakers or in the Google Home app, or test the new Google Home Speaker. A test report on the cameras is unlikely.
Our Assessment
Google has a nearly decade-long “File Reware” history, making the decision to equip even the original Google Home and Google Home Mini with the new voice assistant “more than surprising,” especially considering Google’s past product discontinuations (referenced via a link to https://killedbygoogle.com/). Nest Aware has been renamed Google Home Premium and combined with the Google one Ai Pro subscription, which the author describes as a surprisingly customer-friendly decision.
Though,the author expresses disappointment that,as is frequently enough the case,European users will likely only gain access to Gemini a few months after US users. The introduction of a new subscription, google Home Premium Advanced, costing €20 a month or €10 per month, is also criticized, especially for existing Google One Ai Pro subscribers.
the author remains optimistic about the future of the Smart home from Google, noting that after years of inactivity, there is now movement in the market and invites readers to share their own assessments in the comments.
