- Google's Gemini app now controls smart homes through 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 its smart home devices and has updated 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 answer any other query. So if you have the Gemini app and devices controlled by Google Home, you can link Gemini with your Google Home account.
The extension links Gemini to your lights, thermostats, and any other smart home devices, but with the benefit of Gemini's more flexible talk capability. That means you could say, “It's too bright here,” and have Gemini dim the lights instead of needing the command to set the lights to 50% specifically. You can also manage multiple devices with more informal language. Instead of individually adjusting the device settings, you can say: “Dim the lights in the living room, turn on the lamp in the bedroom, and lower the blinds.” Gemini can understand the three commands for three sets of devices and act accordingly.
The same goes for media controls. Gemini can adjust 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 safe.
A standout feature is its ability to answer insightful questions like “Did I leave the porch light on?” Gemini will check and let you know, saving you from awkwardly walking outside in your pajamas to check it out. Thanks to Gemini Live, you can even control some devices right 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 advantage as people wait for Amazon's planned Alexa update or experiment 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 more attention to the residents and their needs. For now, that attention is limited to practical tasks like dimming lights or playing music. But as AI continues to evolve, who knows? Maybe one day you'll tell your house, “I'm stressed,” and make you a cup of tea, dim the lights, and cue up a relaxing playlist.
Even with the imperfections, the new Gemini feature is a promising step toward the company's dream of incorporating Gemini into every aspect of your life. Gemini is becoming an everyday assistant who knows the difference between you asking to make things cooler by turning off the thermostat and making things cooler by turning on the mood lighting and Barry White.