Google Rolls Out Advanced Smart Home Features in Gemini App Update

Google has expanded its Gemini app to include a set of new smart home management features, offering users an easier way to control various connected devices, such as lights, thermostats, and speakers, directly from within the app.

Previously previewed in November, the updated Google Home extension in Gemini allows users to make more specific commands for their smart devices. By leveraging natural language, users can now interact with their devices more intuitively. For instance, a user can simply state, “The sun is too bright in the living room,” to automatically close smart blinds, or combine multiple tasks, such as dimming lights in one room while turning them on in another, with a single voice command.

Beyond individual controls, Gemini now offers the ability to check the status of connected devices. You can ask the app, “Is the porch light on?” to quickly verify the status of a specific device.

In addition to these upgrades, Gemini now supports controlling certain smart home devices directly from the phone’s lock screen, including non-sensitive items like lights. The update also enhances the management of media playback on devices like smart speakers, displays, and TVs, offering options to pause, resume, or adjust the volume all from within the app.

The design of the thermostat control has also been revamped to align with the layout used in the Google Home app. This visual consistency is intended to streamline the user experience across Google’s ecosystem of smart home tools.

For users concerned about security, the integration now automatically opens the Google Home app for tasks involving cameras and locks, such as adjusting security settings. Previously, the integration would simply link users to the Home app for these actions.

This update to the Google Home extension builds on an earlier improvement to Gemini, which now supports more advanced tasks involving multiple apps at once. With these changes, users can easily control their connected devices and manage various smart home systems more efficiently.

To access these new features, users need to sign in to Gemini using their Google account and activate the Google Home extension. The update begins rolling out today, with full availability expected over the coming weeks.