- 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 your 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 to 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 having to order them to adjust the lights to 50% specifically. You can also manage multiple devices with more informal language. Instead of individually changing 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 pick up all 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 protect your home, Gemini can automatically open the Google Home app when you operate cameras and locks, so your sensitive data stays safe.
A standout feature is its ability to answer burning questions like, “Did I leave the porch light on?” Gemini will check and let you know, which will save you from having to clumsily go out in your pajamas to see for yourself. Thanks to Gemini Live, you can even control some devices directly from your phone's lock screen.
A Gemini home
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 wanting a home that pays more attention to residents and their needs. For now, that attention is limited to practical tasks like dimming the lights or playing music. But as AI continues to evolve, who knows? Maybe one day you'll tell your house, “I'm stressed,” and they'll make you a cup of tea, dim the lights, and play a relaxing playlist.
Even with 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 that knows the difference between asking things to be cooler by turning off the thermostat and making things cooler by turning on ambient lighting and Barry White.
