Google's Gemini AI Smart Home Extension Leaves Public Preview, Now Available to Everyone

Just a couple of months after giving the world a sneak peek through a Public Preview late last year, Google has announced that the company's Gemini AI Google Home Extension is now rolling out to everyone. The new extension allows Gemini to control smart home devices connected through the Google Home app—including those connected via Matter—via voice and text queries.

What Gemini Brings to the Table

As with the Google Assistant, Gemini is able to process and execute smart home commands within seconds. Currently, Gemini is capable of handling smart home requests that include Matter-compatible light switches and bulbs, window coverings, speakers, TVs, vacuums, thermostats, plugs, and more.

What sets Gemini apart from Google Assistant is that its language learning capabilities allow it to consider more conversational-style requests. According to Google, you can say phrases such as "Help me clean up the kitchen" to start a robot vacuum, or "Set the AC to a good temperature for sleeping" to change the setpoint on a thermostat.

Of course, there are some limitations to be aware of as not all queries are supported. As of now, Gemini cannot perform any of the following actions:

• Broadcast messages on connected devices in your home.
• Complete security device actions that require a pin.
• Add or delete devices from your home.
• Execute Routines.

The most important limitation to note is that Gemini will not process requests to unlock smart door locks, turn off cameras, or perform other security actions. When these queries are made, Gemini will offer a link to the Google Home app, where you can complete the task manually as usual.

How to Enable the Gemini Google Home Extension

Getting Gemini up and running with your smart home devices is quick and easy if you already use Google Home. You'll only need to download the Gemini app—available on iOS and Android—and sign in to the same account that you use for Google Home.

Once your accounts are connected you can enable Gemini by following the steps below:

1. Tap the Microphone icon or the Ask Gemini field at the bottom of your screen.
2. Say or type a smart home command such as turn on the lights.
3. Tap Continue when the Google Home prompt appears.
4. Scroll down and tap Connect if you agree to Google's Gemini privacy notice.

Gemini should now carry out the above task and all future smart home requests automatically if supported.

How to Disable the Gemini Google Home Extension

If you decide that Google's AI isn't for you, you can disable it at any time through the Gemini app:

1. After launching the app, tap your Account at the top right-hand corner of your screen.
2. Tap Extensions.
3. Scroll down to Google Home and tap the toggle to disable the extension.

Make Your Matter Smart Home Interactions More Natural With Gemini

With Google's Gemini AI model, your smart home will benefit by integrating with an assistant that is constantly learning and evolving quietly in the background. This should lead to improved voice recognition, mor natural conversational responses, and speedier reaction times for your Matter devices now and in the future.