Google Home app redesign centers Gemini AI with Ask Home interface

Google is preparing a major redesign of its Google Home app that places its Gemini artificial intelligence at the center of smart home control, according to a review of the app code and screenshots from a forthcoming update. The changes, visible in version 3.41.50.3 of the Android app, were spotted ahead of a company announcement scheduled for October 1 and include a new conversational "Ask Home" interface, reorganized navigation, and features tied to new Nest hardware expected next month.

The revamped app surfaces Gemini and a conversational Gemini Live experience in place of the traditional Assistant prompts, with a prominent search bar labeled Ask Home at the top of the main screen. The bar is billed as a way to "describe what you want to automate, or ask to search your video and home history," and early previews show users will be able to receive detailed AI event descriptions, notifications and daily summaries. The app also prompts first-time Gemini users to accept new terms and conditions before starting an Ask Home conversation, and includes feedback controls allowing thumbs up or down and a regenerate response button.

The redesign simplifies navigation by renaming the...