- Google extends Gemini Live to first-generation Home Mini speaker and Nest Hub smart display
- It was rolled out in Gemini for Home in early access and requires a Google Home Premium subscription.
- Google also increased Gemini’s talk memory window to 15 minutes
It’s a great day to be an owner of older Google smart home devices. The company is now rolling out Gemini Live on its two of its OG models.
Yesterday (July 23), Google revealed a series of early access upgrades to Gemini for Home on its support page, but the one that’s got everyone talking is the arrival of Gemini Live, which is coming to the first-generation Google Home Mini speaker and the Google Nest Hub smart display.
The update marks the next step in Google’s plan to expand the ubiquity of its live AI chatbot, which the company rolled out to Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub, and Nest Hub Max devices in October 2025. The new Google Home speaker comes with Gemini Live out of the box.
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For users still using their first generation Google devices, we imagine this upgrade will be welcomed with open arms, but the only problem is that Gemini Live is paid behind the Google Home Premium subscription service, which costs a monthly subscription of $10/£8/AU$15.
If you already have Google Home Premium and are part of the Gemini for Home early access program, you can now start conversations with your Home Mini and Nest Hub devices by saying “Hey Google, let’s chat.” The chime will indicate that Gemini is listening and you can ask him anything, such as recipe ideas, suggestions for an upcoming trip, or delve into more specialized topics.
In addition to the Gemini Live expansion, Google has upgraded Gemini’s talk memory window to 15 minutes. “You can ask Gemini a follow-up question on a topic that was discussed during this window, and Gemini will understand the context,” details the company.
It’s refreshing to see that Google hasn’t completely abandoned its early smart speakers and displays, even as the hardware ages. It’s rare to see tech giants acknowledge that older devices are still widely used, and Amazon is a classic example.
A few months ago, the company came under fire for ending support for Kindles released from 2012 and earlier, even though there’s a whole community of bookworms who still rely on those models — so Google does a better job than Amazon in this regard.
Are you signed up for Google Home Premium but don’t know how to join the Gemini for Home Early Access program? We have what you need.
First, you’ll need to request early access and you’ll need to make sure your Google Home app is updated to the latest version. From there, launch the app and tap your profile picture or initials in the top right, select Home Settings, then Early Access. Follow the steps to request early access and you will receive a notification when Gemini for Home is available for your devices.
You can also check region availability and other information on the Google Home and Nest help page.
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