Google begins Gemini for Home rollout in US

Google began rolling out Gemini for Home on Wednesday, offering U.S. users who signed up for the early access program a replacement for the Google Assistant on compatible Nest speakers and displays. The initial wave started at 9:30 a.m. Pacific, Google Home head Anish Kattukaran said on social media, and users meeting the requirements should receive an in‑app notification when the update is available.

The update requires version 4.1 of the Google Home app and is limited to registered early access participants in the United States for now. Google said it plans to expand Gemini for Home to more users and additional countries in 2026. Basic Gemini features will be available on a wide range of existing Google Home and Nest speakers and displays, including devices dating back to the original Google Home. More advanced live conversation features, marketed as Gemini Live, are restricted to newer hardware and a paid Google Home Premium subscription. Devices that support Gemini Live include the Nest Hub second generation, Nest Audio, Nest Mini second generation, and Nest Hub Max.

Google positions Gemini as a more conversational, context aware assistant that can handle follow up questions...