On day two of I/O, Google made a range of announcements that use Gemini AI to bring much-needed improvements to its smart home platform.
The updates aren’t just about jazzing up Google Home’s own features, this is about opening up new possibilities for any third-party apps that tap into the Google Home ecosystem. It’s a clear signal of where they’re heading.
“We’re moving beyond simple device control to create effortless smart homes that truly understand, adapt, and respond to your users’ needs,” proclaims Google.
So, where will we see this in action first? Smart security and cameras are getting a big boost. Google is essentially opening up “all the Nest camera experiences” to the Home APIs. This means developers can build in all the standard stuff we expect including having a natter via two-way talk, peeking at livestreams, and fiddling with camera settings. This even includes all those clever Gemini-powered Nest camera features.
What does that mean for you? A much smarter, more intuitive way to keep an eye on things. Rather than endlessly scrolling through footage, you could simply ask your Google Home, “Hey Google, show me when the cat knocked that vase off the shelf yesterday.”
Or imagine that you’re out of the house and you get a ping. Instead of just a “motion detected,” message, Gemini might tell you “Looks like the postie is at the door with a parcel.”
Gemini will also be cooking up AI descriptions in Google Home of what your camera sees. Your camera feed might not just show a clip, but Gemini could summarise it as “Small dog chased a squirrel across the lawn at 2:15 pm” and then use this to send out more intelligent alerts. Your camera might soon be smart enough to tell the difference between the Amazon delivery driver and your mate or neighbour popping round.
It’s not just cameras, though. Gemini’s smarts are also coming to sort out our home automations. Google’s clearly heard our collective groans about setting up complex routines, because they’re aiming to make it much easier with a few new tricks for the Automations API.
There’s ‘Suggested Automations,’ where Gemini will chip in with ideas based on how you use your kit. It’s a bit like Google Home is quietly observing and then helpfully suggests, “I’ve noticed you always turn down the thermostat and switch off the living room lights around 11 pm. Fancy making that an automatic ‘Bedtime’ routine?”.
Then there’s ‘Help me create,’ a sort of AI-powered assistant to walk you through building routines. Think of it like having a friendly tech expert on hand. You might say, “Right Google, I want something to happen when I get home from work.” Gemini could then pipe up with, “Okay, Ryan! When you get home, shall we turn on the hall lights, pop the kettle on, and maybe put on some smooth jazz?”
Google says it’s launching an early access programme for developers to get started with these Gemini-powered Home APIs later in the year.
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a brand-new Google Home widget on the way powered by Gemini AI. It’s called the ‘Home Summary Widget,’ and the idea is to give you a good snapshot of what’s happening at home without you having to dive into the Google Home app every time.
The clever bit is that it’ll be dynamic, changing what it shows you based on what’s relevant, probably pegged to the time of day. So, you glance at your phone mid-morning. The widget might show whether you remembered to lock the front door without opening a thing. Come evening, as you’re winding down, a quick peek at the widget could show your bedroom temperature.
Google Home is finally getting serious about being truly smart, and not just a collection of connected gadgets. The aim seems to be less “programming your house” and more “having a chat with your house” about what you want it to do.
(Photo by Dan Farrell)
See also: I/O 2025: Google steers Gemini AI into connected cars
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