Back in August, Google unveiled a number of improvements incoming for its Home platform, including the ability for users to create simplified, natural automations.
And that’s now live courtesy of a new Google Home extension within the Gemini app, which lets Android users control a wide range of smart home devices using natural language prompts.
Part of the Google Home Public Preview program, the feature allows users to operate devices like lights, climate systems, TVs, and more by simply typing or speaking commands directly to the Gemini AI assistant.
With this integration, commands such as “Make it cooler in the bedroom” or “Make it darker in the living room” can now be executed in-app without switching over to Google Assistant and Gemini can control multiple devices at a time to match a user’s command.
The new Google Home extension in Gemini works across a range of smart home device categories including smart lights, sockets, and switches, climate control devices like air conditioners, thermostats, radiators, and fans, window coverings such as curtains, blinds, and shutters, as well as washing machines, coffee makers, and robot vacuums.
Media control is covered too, allowing users to manage TVs and speakers without leaving the Gemini app.
However, the extension does come with limitations. For safety reasons, it won’t support commands involving security devices like cameras, locks, or garage doors.
In these cases, Gemini will point users back to the Google Home app for additional control.
Google Home Routines are also not supported within the Gemini app’s extension, although some routines can still be managed through Google Assistant.
Google’s Gemini app, currently Android-exclusive for this feature, requires users to sign up for Google Home’s Public Preview to access the extension.
For setup, Android users should ensure they’re logged into Gemini with the same Google Account used for Google Home.
Once connected, prompts can be issued to Gemini directly, and users can specify “@Google Home” in the command if needed.
It’s live now, go here to sign up for the Public Preview.
