What you need to know
- Google is rolling out several smart home updates, including one for Gemini that extends its “conversational memory” to 15 minutes.
- Gemini Live comes to first-generation Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, along with improved automation guidance and smart lock alerts for removed users.
- Recent Google Home updates include Pet Memory for Gemini and Suggested Automations.
Google arrives this weekend with some updates to its smart home systems that you should check out on your devices.
Gemini Home Early Access is getting some improvements this week. Google says Gemini Live is now available on first-generation speakers and displays. He patch notes list Home Mini and first-generation Nest Hubs as devices receiving Gemini Live this week. Please note that only Google Home Premium subscribers can access this. On a related note, Gemini’s memory is getting stronger.
Google says AI’s “conversational memory” now lasts 15 minutes. This will be present “throughout the Gemini for Home experience.” Users can follow up on something they previously asked Gemini to do, as long as it’s within those 15 minutes. Automations in the Home app will provide a clearer “savings guide.” Google explains that the app will inform users if they are trying to save an automation with conditions but no start.
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Improved controls and labels for smart blinds and shades are included in Automations, along with smart lock “security action disclaimers.” If users remove someone’s access to their locks, the app will prompt them that their passwords “need to be changed or deleted.”
A July 2026 update will roll out for Nest cameras. This applies to Nest Cam Indoor 3rd generation wired, Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd generation), and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd generation). Furthermore, Google now supports more of WalmartOnn cameras: plug-in outdoor cameras and wired outdoor floodlights. Bug fixes make up the rest of these updates and you can see them in full.
The home seems smarter
Android Central’s opinion
One would imagine that bringing AI and smart devices into the home would make life easier. That topic has been addressed, but Google recognizes that there is more work to do. Users reporting problems and offering feedback also help a lot. Giving Gemini a better memory is a highlight for me. Imagine if I told you to turn on the lights in a room, but then you changed your mind. Now I don’t have to restart the whole conversation from scratch.
This update of Gemini’s conversational memory reminds us of the Continuous Conversations Patch since April. Asking AI to do something is common in controlling so many smart devices. What can be frustrating is having to repeat the same thing in front of a computer. Continuing Conversations aims to solve that. Google said this highly-requested feature helps Gemini “remember” what’s going on. Help make the experience perfect, which is another area Google has been working on.
Gemini would keep his microphone open for a few more seconds, in case there was anything to add. This memory upgrade takes this concept and expands on it. Even after Gemini closes his microphone, you can still continue and he will (hopefully) remember your conversation from two minutes ago. pet memory It was another recent patch for Gemini that allows users to customize how the AI recognizes their fur babies.
Instead of generic phrases (i.e., “the dog is walking in the living room), users can tell the AI the little one’s name.
