What you need to know
- Google detailed a late May update rolling for Gemini for Home and its Home app.
- Cameras are getting another significant update, which lets users create automations based on what their camera has seen.
- In the app, Google is refining media controls, improving Gemini's speed for common commands, and it's ability to take action on a single command with several tasks.
Google Home users have been receiving consistent updates for weeks now, and the end of May is no different, as the latest adds a major upgrade for cameras.
Gemini for Home is a major part of Google's vision for its smart home environment. This week, the company shared details about an update that's rolling out, which brings a major "visual insights" feature for your connected cameras. Google has made cameras smarter with its AI, capable of "seeing" or "understanding" what they see. Now, users can create automations based on what their cameras see.
Not only is this camera update a standout feature for Google's late May patch, but it feels like the most important—personally, anyway. I can imagine this would be useful for occurrences that happen frequently. Like something getting into your trash or a person or delivery that's too important to miss. Google's giving us an easy way make automations based on camera events (what our camera sees) without having to "build it from scratch," essentially.
Using written descriptors, users can design automations and select which camera needs to adhere to them. Google states users can create automations for Amazon deliveries, children arriving home, car doors left open, and more. What's more, users can get specific when referring to people by mentioning their name; however, you must enable Familiar Faces for this to work.
On the flip side, Google is solving a few issues and hitches with its AI during vocal responses. The patch notes this week state that users asking Gemini a question while playing music can say "stop" without interrupting their playlist. Apple Music support has returned, and the Bluetooth Pairing systems have been enhanced. Users can say "pair Bluetooth" for speakers or their phone.
Voice assistance continues to be a focus for Google. The notes state that Gemini will be able to take action for "casual language" commands, such as "set brightness to zero" or "make the living room a little warmer" for lights and thermostats. Frequently used commands with Gemini should feel a little faster. Moreover, Google has again increased Gemini's capability to take action on a single command with multiple tasks.
Gemini's tracking abilities for timers/alarms have been improved, and users should also find "more complete answers" when asking questions about sports, general knowledge, and the weather.
TLC for the app
Familiar Faces is getting a UI refresh this week. Google states the UI should now better inform you of suggested names. The company's smart home widgets for devices now sport "improved responsiveness" when controlling smart plugs and lights. Users can find a faster way to update their Voice Match in settings, while a fix rolls in for Wear OS, bringing back "name and reordering options for easier favorites management from your wrist."
A week ago, Google announced that it's expanding Gemini for Home, opening access to carriers and hardware makers. A key highlight was "Gemini built-in." Google partners creating hardware for consumers can easily leverage Gemini's capabilities without having to worry about the hard stuff (the research). These makers can easily integrate Gemini into their speakers and cameras.
What's more, Google said it was bringing its Home Premium plan to ISPs, carriers, and security companies.
