Google Gemini Rollout Includes Reddit Voice Workaround

Google has begun a gradual rollout of its Gemini for Home voice assistant to compatible smart speakers and displays, but a workaround discovered by a Reddit user is allowing some owners to access new voice options ahead of schedule.

The upgrade, announced at Google's Made by Google event in August, started reaching devices toward the end of October. It targets Nest and Google Home hardware released since 2016, with English language settings required. As part of an early access program, availability remains limited to select user accounts and is expanding on a per-home basis. The full rollout replaces the existing Google Assistant with Gemini, an AI-powered system capable of handling complex queries, brainstorming, follow-up questions and topic shifts during conversations.

For those eager to try the enhancements without waiting, Reddit user u/Siciliano777 shared a simple method last week that bypasses the phased distribution. The process involves entering the URL "googlehomeassistantvoicesetup" into the address bar of Google Chrome on an Android or iOS device. Users must select the second option from the dropdown menu, which opens the Google Home app, to avoid a standard web...