Gemini can adjust your smart home accessories with Google Home integration

What you need to know

• Google is starting to roll out a slew of new Gemini extensions, including the Google Home app.
• Users enrolled in the Public Preview for Google Home should start seeing the integration in the Gemini app for Android this week, with a gradual rollout over the next few weeks.
• You’ll be able to ask Gemini to make changes to your Home in natural language, and the Gemini extension will replace the Google Assistant.

Gemini is on a path to replace the Google Assistant, and it’s about to gain crucial functionality once reserved for Assistant. Soon, users will be able to control their smart home with a Google Home extension in the Gemini app. It’s rolling out now for users enrolled in the Public Preview for Google Home on Android, and the gradual rollout will continue over the coming weeks.

After you gain access to the new Google Home extension, Gemini will be able to use this newfound integration to control your smart home without needing to invoke the Google Assistant. The extension can activate scenes, change the status of connected accessories, and more. What’s different about using Gemini for these purposes instead of Assistant? You can use natural language to get things done instead of using specific word choice.

Specifically, Google explains that telling Gemini the phrase “the sun is too bright in the living room” will result in the AI assistant closing the smart window blinds in your home. The company also gives an example of using “help me clean up the kitchen” to start a robot vacuum.

To try out these new features, open the Google Home app on your Android device. Tap the Settings button, then select Public Preview. From there, press Join Public Preview to enroll your account. You should soon gain access to the Google Home extension for Gemini.