Tech companies rarely go out of their way to bring cutting-edge software to aging hardware. Google is taking a different route by rolling out Gemini Live to two of its original smart home pillars: the first-generation Google Home Mini and the original Google Nest Hub speakers.
The rollout follows an earlier expansion that brought conversational AI features to newer hardware like the Nest Audio and Nest Hub Max. According to Google, users enrolled in the Gemini for Home early access program can now start natural, back-and-forth conversations on these legacy devices simply by saying, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” There is one important requirement: accessing Gemini Live on these older models requires an active Google Home Premium subscription.
Longer memory and smarter context tracking
Beyond expanding device access, Google is fixing one of the most frustrating aspects of smart home voice interactions—the short memory span. The latest update introduces a 15-minute conversational window across the entire Gemini for Home ecosystem.
This change allows the assistant to retain context over an extended period. If you ask your speaker to adjust the bedroom thermostat by two degrees, you can follow up ten minutes later asking to raise it one degree higher without re-explaining the original prompt (via Android Police).
Platform-wide tweaks and camera improvements
The update also delivers several practical refinements to the broader Google Home ecosystem. Clearer alert prompts now prevent users from saving automations that are missing essential starting triggers. Plus, the updated interface labels make setting smart window coverings to precise percentage positions much easier.
Security disclaimers now explicitly remind users to manually revoke smart lock passcodes when removing members from a home network. Additionally, Nest cameras receive fixes targeting unexpected connection drops, misfiring activity zones, and inaccurate battery level reporting.
Lastly, Google also expanded hardware support for Walmart’s affordable onn-branded outdoor cameras.
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