- Google’s Gemini -App now controls smart home through a Google Home extension
- Gemini can understand the natural language to perform tasks
- The goal is to make smart home more intuitive and easier to control
Google wants Gemini to control your smart home devices and have upgraded the Gemini app with a new Google Home extension to manage all your connected devices in the same way you would ask the AI assistant to answer any other query. So if you have the Gemini app and devices checked by Google Home, you can link Gemini to your Google Home account.
The expansion connects Gemini with your lights, thermostats and other smart home units, but advantage of Gemini’s more flexible conversation ability. This means that you could say, “It’s too bright in here,” and get Gemini to dim the lights instead of having to command the lighting of the lights to 50% specifically. You can also manage multiple devices with more relaxed language. Instead of individual setting of devices, you can say, “Dimming the living room light, turning on the bedroom lamp and lowering the blinds.” Gemini can understand the three commands of three sets of devices and act accordingly.
The same goes for media checks. Gemini can adjust volume, playback and other aspects of your music and video players with the same flexibility. And if you try to secure your home, Gemini can automatically open the Google Home app when dealing with cameras and locks so your sensitive data will remain secure.
A prominent feature is its ability to answer burning questions such as “Did I leave the veranda light turned on?” Gemini will check and tell you what saves you from awkward to go outside in your pajamas to check for yourself. Thanks to Gemini Live, you can even check some devices directly from your phone’s lock screen.
A gemini home
Google has been fighting for Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri and other smart home assistants for years, but Gemini and its natural language controls may give the business an advantage when people are waiting for Amazon’s planned Alexa upgrading or experimenting with similar assistants from smaller brands.
Smart houses have always been about convenience, but Google seems to knock people who want a home that pours more closely to the residents and their needs. Currently, this attention is limited to practical tasks such as dimming lights or to play music. But when AI continues to develop, who knows? Maybe one day you tell your house, “I’m stressed,” and it brews you a cup of tea, dims the lights and sets up a soothing playlist.
Even with imperfections, Gemini’s new feature is a promising step towards the company’s dream of incorporating Gemini into every aspect of your life. Gemini becomes an everyday assistant who knows the difference between you who asks to make things cooler by turning off the thermostat and making things cooler by turning on mood lighting and Barry White.
