Move over, Alfred Pennyworth – there’s a new butler in town, and this one’s powered by artificial intelligence. Google’s Gemini AI assistant is getting a significant upgrade that lets it play house captain with your smart home devices, though it draws the line at security systems (even AI has its boundaries).
Gemini gets Google Home Extension
The new Google Home extension, detailed in Google’s support pages, transforms Gemini from a chatty companion into a domestic command centre. Want to set the mood for date night? Just whisper sweet nothings to Gemini like “Set the dining room for a romantic date night,” and watch as your AI wingman orchestrates the perfect ambience.
Now, turn your AC on with Google Gemini
Unlike its predecessor Google Assistant, Gemini speaks fluent human. Tell it to “Set the AC to a good temperature for sleeping,” and it’ll understand you’re not in the mood for a math problem about optimal degrees. The AI can manage everything from lights and switches to washing machines and curtains – though it won’t help with your laundry folding just yet.
Getting started requires a bit of digital housekeeping: users need the Gemini app, Google Home’s Public Preview program membership, and all devices connected to the same Google account. It’s like introducing your smart devices to their new AI supervisor – they all need to be on the same team.
Can work with Text & Voice command
The feature currently works with both text and voice commands, though it’s an English-only affair for now. Sorry, polyglot smart homes will have to wait their turn. And if you’re an iOS user, you’ll have to sit this round out – Gemini hasn’t crossed the Apple frontier yet.
While Gemini can’t handle security-related tasks requiring PINs or stream your camera feeds (it respects privacy, thank you very much), it’s a significant step toward the sci-fi smart homes we’ve been promised. Just remember, when your AI assistant starts suggesting better feng shui for your living room, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The future of home automation is here – and it speaks in complete sentences.
