What you need to know
- Google Home has started rolling out a major update to its app and Gemini for Home Early Access this week.
- All users are getting an updated media control experience across multiple smart devices, while Advanced plan Premium users get new “AI descriptors” for their smart cameras.
- Google says it has updated Gemini’s context understanding, which works properly in its recent Continued Conversations update.
Google’s smart home environment is taking a visual step forward this weekend with an update that focuses on your cameras.
Google shared details Regarding its recent Home app update, which introduces an updated camera experience for smart home owners. The patch that has started rolling out has “modernized the camera user experience with dynamic themes.” One key feature Google Home Premium (Advanced plan) customers can expect is “AI Descriptions.” What users should now expect from AI is a clearer, more accurate description of what your camera has experienced.
Google says this will make it easier to view your camera history. Event search history results are now “faster” in Ask Home. Google also refined its camera settings, making them easier to find. Additionally, familiar face recognition and updating activity areas should also be faster. For convenience in this update, the Home app now displays “seen and heard” events on one page.
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Re-linking a device that has gone offline has been made easier. The changelog states that users will now receive an “instant account-relinking prompt that lets you connect your devices in one click.” The media controls update rolls out to all Google Home users this week. All users can take advantage of the new, enhanced media control experience for music and video on “smart speakers, smart displays, Google TV streamers, and other cast devices.”
Gemini gets refined for the home
Google says users may notice quicker response times when giving Gemini commands to light and plug in.
The company’s update to Gemini contextual reasoning plays into the recently released Conversations update. The purpose of this was two-fold: not only did it keep the AI’s metaphorical ears open longer, but it also gave the user time to fully finish their thoughts or engage in follow-up questions/commands. Google says the feature was highly requested in its early access. Gemini will now “remember” the conversation, as it will remain active for a few more seconds.
Android Central’s Tech
I’ve been impressed lately with what Google is doing with its smart home environment. It’s actually releasing updates, especially some that follow user feedback (which is always important). This makes me wonder what I/O it is preparing for. We’ve been on this Gemini for home train for several months now, but I can’t help but wonder what else is in the pipeline.
