What you need to know
- Google is rolling out several smart home updates, including one for Gemini that extends its “conversation memory” to 15 minutes.
- Gemini Live comes on first-generation Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, along with improved Automation guidance and smart lock alerts for remote users.
- Recent updates to Google Home include Pet Memory and Suggested Automation for Gemini.
Google is heading into the weekend with several updates to smart home systems that you should check out on your devices.
Twins Early access for Home is getting a few improvements this week. Gemini Live is now available on first-generation speakers and displays, Google says. The patch notes note the first-generation Home Mini and Nest Hubs as devices receiving Gemini Live this week. Please note that this may only apply to Google Home Premium subscribers. On a related note, Gemini’s memory is getting stronger.
Google says the AI’s “conversational memory” now lasts 15 minutes. It will be featured in the “Total Gemini Experience for Home.” Users can watch any work they want before Gemini during these 15 minutes. Automations in the Home app will provide a clearer “savings guide”. Google explains that it will notify users when it tries to save an automation that has application terms but no start.
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Improved controls and labels for smart curtains and window coverings are included in the automation, along with “security disclaimers.” If users remove someone’s login from their lock, the app will notify you that their password “needs to be changed or deleted.”
The July 2026 update for Nest Cameras is rolling out. This applies to the wired, third generation Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd generation) and Nest Doorbell (wired, third generation). In addition, Google now supports more of WalmartOnn cameras: External Plug-in and External Projector. Bug fixes make up the rest of these updates and you can view them in full.
The house looks smarter
Android Central’s Take
You’d imagine that bringing AI and smart devices into the home would make life easier. This has been addressed, but Google admits there is more work to be done. Users reporting problems and providing feedback also help a bunch. Giving Gemini a better memory is a highlight for me. Imagine I told him to turn on the lights in a room, but then I changed my mind. Now I don’t have to start the whole conversation from scratch.
This conversational memory refresher for Gemini reminds us Continuous Chats patch from April. Asking AI to do something is common in many smart devices to control. What can be frustrating is duplicating yourself to the computer. Continuous Conversations aims to solve this. Google said the much-requested feature helps Gemini “remember” what happened. Helps make the experience seamless, is another field Powered by Google.
Gemini will keep his microphone on for a few extra seconds in case he might have something to add. This memory update takes that concept and expands on it. Even after Gemini mutes his mic, you can still watch and he’ll (hopefully) remember your conversation from two minutes ago. Animal memory Another new patch for Gemini was one that allowed users to customize how the AI recognizes their fur babies.
Instead of general sentences (ie, “the dog is walking in the living room”), users can tell the AI the name of a little one.
