Advanced AI models are increasingly being applied to smart home systems, and that is the current case with Google Home and the tech giant’s Gemini AI model, as the Gemini mobile app on Android now includes a Google Home extension.
According to Google, users can control smart devices such as lights, outlets, switches, HVAC, window treatments, TVs, speakers, washers, coffee makers, vacuums and other smart devices
However, the Google Home extension can’t perform some actions on security devices, such as gates, cameras, locks, doors and garage doors. For those actions, the Gemini app will direct users to the Google Home app.
The extension also doesn’t allow users to complete security device actions that require a pin, stream video feed from cameras, or execute routines.
This functionality is currently only available on Android, but it will likely come to iPhones in the future. The feature is only in Public Preview, and users also need the latest Gemini app and a Google Home account linked to Gemini Apps Activity.
Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.
Users can issue commands via text or voice with the “Hey Google” wake word.
Google lists several examples of using natural language to trigger a smart home action:
While Google appears to be on the right path toward a more intelligent smart home platform, its competitor Amazon may be further away from competition than previously thought, as the new advanced AI Alexa rumored to be ready for a release this fall is now reportedly under wraps until next year.
According to Bloomberg, the Alexa enhanced with generative AI models was at one point set for an Oct. 17 announcement, but that has been scrapped in favor of a new target deadline in 2025. According to the reports, the AI-enhanced Alexa is more conversational, but simple tasks such as controlling lights have suffered.
The Bloomberg report also suggests that Amazon is focused on creating higher-quality smart home devices after Amazon last year poached Microsoft device executive Panos Panay to lead the company’s device group.
Amazon told Bloomberg it is committed to building Alexa into the world’s best personal assistant, with generative AI leading the charge.
“We have already integrated generative AI into different components of Alexa, and are working hard on implementation at scale—in the over half a billion Alexa-enabled devices already in homes around the world—to enable even more proactive, personal, and trusted assistance for our customers,” spokesperson Kristy Schmidt told Bloomberg in an emailed statement.
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