Google Upgrades Older Smart Home Devices for Free

Google has announced the release of 'Gemini for Home' to incorporate generative AI into smart homes. This week, the company clarified changes to the Google Home app and which devices will support the update.

Gemini will replace Google Assistant in compatible smart home devices, including cameras, video doorbells, and speakers. With generative AI, these devices will process, understand, and respond in natural language.

Google Home will support richer notifications through Gemini, allowing users to ask more specific questions about their smart home. This feature aims to make communication with smart homes more natural, introducing voices that resemble casual conversation.

All Google Nest devices released in the past decade are compatible with the new updates announced this week. Google also unveiled new Nest hardware, including a Google Home Speaker, Nest Cam, and Nest Doorbell.

The Google Home Speaker will be available in Spring 2026 for $99. The new Nest Cams offer 2K resolution and a wider field of view. Gemini can provide descriptions of captured security footage, enhancing smart home surveillance beyond simple motion detection.

If Google fulfills these promises, the company could demonstrate that smart home surveillance has evolved beyond basic notifications. Generative AI also enables more natural creation of automations, a valuable upgrade for smart home users.