- Gemini for home replaces the Google Assistant on speakers and displays.
- General compatibility since 2016; Gemini Live only on recent models.
- Advanced features with Google Home Premium subscription.
- Early Access in the US and expansion to more countries in early 2026.
The arrival of Gemini for home marks a major shift in Google's smart speakers and displays. The company is reorganizing its connected home offering with a new AI mode that takes over from the veteran Google Assistant and promises more fluid and natural interactions.
Among the most repeated doubts is that of which speakers and displays will continue to be supportedGoogle has clarified the situation: there will be broad support for devices in its ecosystem, although with nuances regarding where the full voice experience will be available and which models will remain a more basic version.
Compatibility with Google and Nest speakers and displays
According to the information posted on the help center, Gemini for Home will work on Google/Nest devices released since 2016.. The main models fall into that range: Nest Audio, Nest Mini (2nd generation), Nest Hub Max, Nest Hub (2nd generation), Google Home, Home Mini, Home Max, Home Hub (Nest Hub 1st generation) and also Nest Wifi Point with built-in microphone.
Now, there is a key detail: the Gemini's full-featured voice assistant (including the most advanced experience) will only be available on a select list of recent speakers and displays. This means you'll have the most natural interaction and richest conversation capabilities on these models.
- Google Nest Hub (2nd generation)
- Google NestAudio
- Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation)
- Google Nest Hub Max
In previous teams, Gemini compatibility will be maintained for home, but without access to Gemini Live or the fuller voice experience. Specifically, the following models will be limited to the basic version:
- Google Nest Hub (1nd generation)
- Google Home Max
- Google Home Mini (1st generation)
- Google Home
- Nest Wifi Point
Gemini and Gemini Live: What Really Changes
Gemini is the new AI layer that replaces the Google Assistant at home, while Gemini Live This is the variant designed for a more "human" conversation. In practice, you can ask both people the same question, but Live provides more natural responses, fluid conversational turns y greater context in the dialogue.
With the update, it will be possible use more complex commands, chain requests and manage connected home devices more directly. The goal is to make the assistant more intuitive for everyday tasks such as routines, reminders or the smart home control.
Another point to keep in mind is the invocation: when saying "Hey Google", the response will become more conversational and effective. This doesn't change the activation gesture, but it does change the quality of the interaction, which gains nuance and contextual understanding.
Advanced features and new subscription
Activate Gemini for home will not entail any additional starting cost. However, more advanced features—including Gemini Live—will be offered through a new subscription: Google Home Premium. This plan succeeds Nest Aware and opens the door to expanded voice and connected home features.
Unlike the more camera-focused Nest Aware, Google Home Premium is presented as a subscription for the entire home., which will unlock enhanced features across all compatible devices in the ecosystem, from speakers to smart displays.
Release schedule and countries
Google has indicated that the early access Gemini for home speakers and displays starts in the United States at the end of the month. The company has also signaled its intention to bring it to more countries by early 2026, in a phased rollout that will expand to languages and regions.
In practical terms, those with recent devices will get the full experience sooner, while the rest will be able to continue using Gemini for home in its basic version pending feature expansion and subscription availability.
This leaves a clear picture: Gemini for home replaces Google Assistant, will run on most speakers and displays manufactured since 2016 and will reserve Gemini Live for newer models (Nest Hub 2nd gen, Nest Audio, Nest Mini 2nd gen, and Nest Hub Max). Beyond that, Google Home Premium will be the gateway to advanced features, with a rollout starting in the US and expected to reach more markets by early 2026.
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