- Google’s Gemini app now controls smart homes via a Google Home extension
- Gemini can understand natural language to complete tasks
- The goal is to make smart homes more intuitive and easier to manage
Google wants Gemini to control your smart home devices and has upgraded the Gemini app with a new Google Home extension to manage all your connected devices the same way you would ask the AI assistant to respond to any other question. So if you have the Gemini app and devices controlled by Google Home, you can link Gemini to your Google Home account.
The extension connects Gemini with your lights, thermostats and other smart home devices, but with the benefit of Gemini’s more flexible talk capability. This means you could say, “It’s too bright in here,” and have the Geminis become the lights instead of having to order lights to 50% specifically. You can also manage multiple devices with more casual language. Rather than individually tweaking device settings, you can say, “Dim the living room lights, turn on the bedroom lamp, and dim the blinds.” Gemini can enter all three commands for three sets of devices and act accordingly.
The same goes for media controls. Gemini can adjust the volume, playback, and other aspects of your music and video players with the same flexibility. And if you’re trying to secure your home, Gemini can automatically open the Google Home app when dealing with cameras and locks, so your sensitive data stays secure.
A standout feature is his ability to answer burning questions like, “Did I leave the porch fire on?” Gemini will check and let you know, saving you from awkwardly walking outside in your pajamas to check for yourself. With Gemini Live, you can even control certain devices directly from your phone’s lock screen.
A Gemini house
Google has battled Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri and other smart home assistants for years, but Gemini and its natural language controls could give the company an edge as people wait for the planned Alexa upgrade. ‘Amazon or experience with similar assistants from smaller brands.
Smart homes have always been about convenience, but Google seems to be banking on people who want a home that pays close attention to residents and their needs. For now, this attention is limited to practical tasks like rage lights or music. But as AI continues to evolve, who knows? Maybe one day you’ll tell your house, “I’m stressed,” and it’ll make you a cup of tea, dim the lights, and put on a calming playlist.
Even with the imperfections, Gemini’s new feature is a promising step toward the company’s dream of incorporating Gemini into every aspect of your life. Gemini becomes an everyday helper who knows the difference between asking you to make things cooler by turning off the thermostat and making things cooler by turning on the mood lighting and Barry White.
