Starting today, Google is rolling out massive changes to its smart home technology and all-new devices that are major upgrades compared to its several-years-old Nest gadgets. That means a lot of new AI smarts, courtesy of Gemini, as well as a new naming scheme to learn.
Big changes like this mean getting used to a new tech ecosystem, especially for fans of Google Home and previous Nest devices. So I've rounded up all the major changes Google is making in October and what to watch for in the coming months, too.
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Nest gets a revamp with three upgraded Google Home devices
Nest may be leaving, but Google is releasing newer, more powerful devices. Corin Cesaric/CNET
If you're a Nest fan, don't fear: Google Home and Nest devices aren't going anywhere -- the Nest name is just taking more of a backseat under the new "Google Home" unification. Your existing Nest devices will continue to receive full support for the foreseeable future -- and Google is even adding three new products: next-generation, AI-focused models of its home security cameras that CNET got an up-close look at.
Google Nest Indoor Camera, Wired ($100) : The third-gen cam upgrades to 2K resolution, improved night vision and a wider field of view, while retaining much of the second-gen Nest's design -- though it does come in more color options.
: The third-gen cam upgrades to 2K resolution, improved night vision and a wider field of view, while retaining much of the second-gen Nest's design -- though it does come in more color options. Google Nest Outdoor Camera, Wired ($150) : Similar to the indoor model, this third-gen cam also has 2K resolution, plus a new coating for improved UV protection.
: Similar to the indoor model, this third-gen cam also has 2K resolution, plus a new coating for improved UV protection. Google Nest Video Doorbell, Wired ($180): The newest Google Home doorbell offers 2K resolution and a much wider head-to-toe field of view, capturing more of the area around visitors while zooming in during event capture to make footage easier to review.
These three cameras are available for sale today. Two important points from my own experience: First, there's no sign of battery-powered models, which is a little disappointing given that the previous Nest line included wireless options.
Second, I've always been a big fan of the free features Google includes with its home cameras. Many competitors lock similar features -- such as basic AI package/person detection and 3 hours of free video storage -- behind subscriptions. In this new generation, Google is doubling that free storage to 6 hours of 10-second video clips from the cams or doorbell, making it even more appealing to people who want to avoid subscriptions.
Gemini's AI takeover of Google Assistant
Google Home is replacing Nest and bringing new devices. Corin Cesaric/CNET
We've known for several months that Google's Gemini AI is going to replace Google Assistant entirely in the smart home as the new voice assistant. That means Google Assistant doesn't really exist anymore, and considering complaints in recent years about erroneous responses, I don't think many people will miss it.
While the "Hey Google" activation remains the same, you'll be waking a new assistant. It's called Gemini for Home and it offers many conversational benefits such as the ability to recognize casual language, respond in a more natural voice and offer answers with improved accuracy. It differs from other versions of Gemini by being more narrowly focused on smart home needs -- Google's team found that broader versions of the LLM-powered AI started to get a little too creative in its responses. That's no use to home users, who need more reliable answers.
Gemini for Home brings a range of new features, some of which I've already seen and tested in recent months. These include captions for notifications that describe events in detail -- even naming people the cameras recognize if you enable voice detection. Gemini can also deliver daily briefs, summarizing everything the cameras capture, and you can customize those summaries to highlight the people or events you care about most. You can also ask it more free-form questions, like "Did something eat my plants last night?" to get specific answers from what Gemini can recognize on video footage.
The camera settings on the Google Home app. Google Nest
Inside the smart home, Gemini can handle complex automation requests. These include add-on commands ("Oh, and lock the front door, too"), exceptions ("Turn off all the lights except in the two bedrooms") and one-time routines ("This Tuesday evening, turn up the lights and unlock the door for the party"). But this is all a bit limited and depends on what settings Google has access to in third-party smart devices such as locks, speakers or lights. Nonetheless, there are still lots of possibilities there.
Who gets this new housekeeping version of Gemini? Basically, everyone with a Google Home or Nest device who pays the subscription -- more on that below. Google is making Gemini for Home backwards compatible all the way to 2015, so if you have any Nest or Android device that can listen to you, it's going to get Gemini. But third-party smart speakers won't have it at this time.
While we won't be using the Google Assistant phrasing much anymore at CNET, you'll probably still see it on the specs for home security systems and smart devices for a year or two. But if it says Google Assistant, it should still connect to Google Home and Gemini in most cases.
The Google Home app now has a whole new look
Google Home's Automation options. Tyler Lacoma/CNET
Along with Gemini for Home, Google is revamping the Google Home app. The new version is more streamlined and swipeable. It also loads live views 30% faster than previous versions.
Google Home will still have its broad search bar where you can talk to Gemini for Home if you have those capabilities, along with three simplified screens for control -- Home, Activity and Automation. Reviewing past camera footage has also become a more organic experience, shifting and speeding up video as you move through the clips. You can update the app to see the new version starting today, Oct. 1.
Google Home Premium arrives as an all-in-one subscription
Now for the pricing on these Gemini for Home power-ups. The old Nest Aware subscription for Google's home cameras is gone, along with the rest of the Nest branding. In its place is a whole-home Google Home Premium plan that covers all Google Home devices, including both new and older security cameras, Nest speakers and Nest smart displays.
Google Home Premium will be offered in two tiers, with the base plan starting at $10 a month. Both tiers include access to Gemini for Home features. If you'd rather not pay, you'll still get the same free features available now, but with a much more limited voice assistant.
A new Google Home smart speaker is planned for this spring
Google also plans to release a new smart speaker. Corin Cesaric/CNET
But Google's not done with its smart home plans quite yet. Another device -- the $100 Google Home Speaker -- is slated to launch in spring 2026. Google describes it as being built for Gemini. It looks like a Nest Mini speaker on a bunch of steroids, and provides 360-degree sound and access to all these new home control options. No word on any new smart display like a Nest Hub yet, but it may be on its way, too.
Interested in seeing where Google's previous Nest devices landed on my recommendations? Check out the best video doorbells, best home security cameras and the top smart speakers to learn more.