Given up on trying to get Google Assistant to dim the lights or pull your drapes? If you’re an Android user, now’s your chance to give Gemini a spin with your smart home.
Google has just released an extension for the Gemini app that allows Google’s LLM to take charge of a wide range of smart gadgets, from smart lights and thermostats to smart shades and TVs.
For now, you’ll need the Android version of the Gemini app, and you’ll also need to be enrolled in Google’s Public Preview program.
Once you’ve enabled the Google Home extension on the Gemini app (this Google support page has all the details), you’ll be able to give smart home commands to Gemini that had previously been executed by Google Assistant.
Google explains that telling Gemini the phrase “the sun is too bright in the living room” will result in the AI assistant closing the smart window blinds in your home. The company also gives an example of using “help me clean up the kitchen” to start a robot vacuum.
There are a few limitations to note, though. It’s only available on Android phones and is restricted to English prompts.For now, only the following categories are supported (according to Google):
- Lights & power, like lights, outlets, and switches
- Climate control, like air conditioning units, thermostats, heaters, and fans
- Window coverings, like curtains, blinds, and shutters
- Media devices, like TVs and speakers
- Other smart devices, like washers, coffee makers, and vacuums
Google warns that Gemini’s smart-home control abilities are (for the moment, anyway) “for convenience only, not safety- or security-critical purposes.” On devices that don’t have Gemini, you’ll still be using Google Assistant.
Specifically, Gemini can’t do anything with a security device that requires a PIN, stream video feeds from security cams, or perform “some” actions on gates, locks, doors, garage doors, and other security-related devices.
You can try the Google Home extension in the Gemini app now if you’re enrolled in the early preview, and a wider release is likely to follow in the future.