Gemini for you, Gemini for me, Gemini for Home: and that’s the end of yet another Google service

What started almost 10 years ago with the Google Assistant at home – it was capable of managing only simple tasks – is now evolving. Or should I say “ending”. Google plans to gradually phase out Assistant on its smart speakers and displays, transitioning users to Gemini for Home. The new service will be offered in both free and subscription tiers, with early access starting in October and more information to follow.

So, say hello to the brand-new Gemini for Home, which will take advantage of Google’s Gemini AI model. What this means is that Gemini for Home should be able to help you with “virtually any topic imaginable”, as the Big G puts it: from brainstorming to conversing and problem-solving. The dialogue should be back-and-forth, and natural.

One still has to say “Hey Google” to trigger it on, but that’s where the similarities with the previous Google Assistant end.

Gemini for Home is designed to take on a broader role in daily life, and its creators say it’s going to be easier to manage entertainment, household tasks, and personal routines. When it comes to media, it can track down and play music or other content across different streaming platforms, whether you want a specific award-winning track from decades ago or a song tied to a recent film.

Numerous devices support Google’s smart assistants. | Image by Google

There are upgraded smart home controls that allow for more nuanced and efficient commands. You can adjust several settings at once, like dimming the lights while setting the thermostat, or give complex instructions that require reasoning, such as leaving only one room illuminated while turning off lights elsewhere. Now that I come to think of it, I was the Gemini for Home back when I was a kid in our home and did what was told (most of the time).

Besides that, Gemini offers more natural language support, making it simple to create calendar events, shopping lists, and timers easier. At its core, Gemini also doubles as a capable assistant for questions of all kinds. It can provide tailored advice on practical issues, such as keeping animals out of the yard, or help with travel planning by weighing factors like weather, crowds, and prices to suggest the best time to visit a destination.