Google is trying to get more hardware partners to develop and release devices with Gemini for Home. The company announced that Gemini for Home is now a “full-stack AI” offering, combining Google Home APIs with Gemini features. It expands Google Home’s built-in Gemini program to give companies a way to “skip the multi-year research and development phase” typically required for developing AI-enabled hardware. Google gives them access to fully validated scalable tools
reference designs, including SOCs, sensors and microphones, built by its partners. Companies can then use these designs to create, mass produce and launch cameras and speakers with Gemini controls.
The company also encourages carriers, ISPs and security companies that want to use its reference designs to integrate its Google Home Premium AI subscription service into the devices they make. Google says the subscription will allow its partners to offer users features such as Home Brief, which summarizes home activity while they are away, and Advanced Deterrents, which creates a simulated presence in empty homes using automations. Google Home Premium was formerly known as Nest Aware and will cost users at least $10 per month or $100 per year for the standard tier, or double that for the “advanced” option. If you’re already subscribed to Google’s $20 monthly AI Pro subscription, standard access is included, while the $250 per month Ultra subscriptions get the advanced tier.
Google has been rolling out Gemini across all its products for some time now and redesigned its Home app with a focus on the AI assistant before launching it globally last year. The new app has an “Ask Home” button that users can tap to ask Gemini, but it will simply prompt them to sign up for the AI experience if they prefer to use Google Assistant, the company’s pre-boom AI assistant offering.
With the advent of Google’s expanded program, more Gemini-powered devices are expected to be released. Those who don’t really like having Gemini everywhere can use Home Assistant or Apple HomeKit for their automation needs and un-Gemini their Google apps using our instructions here.
