TL;DR
- Google is starting ongoing conversations for Gemini for Home in response to user requests.
- This feature keeps the mic on so you can ask follow-up questions without having to say “Hey Google” again.
- Google says Gemini will also remember context and ignore background conversations.
To say the least, Gemini replacing Google Assistant in the home hasn’t been the easiest transition, and Google is still smoothing out the rough edges. One reason some users aren’t rushing to make the switch is that Gemini for Home is missing some of the everyday features of the old Assistant. The latest example released now is Continued Conversation, which the company says was one of the top user requests.
in a new google blog postGoogle said this feature is coming now, while Google Home Release Notes Explain that this is available to all early access users. Continued Conversation keeps the microphone active for a few seconds after your first request, so you can ask a follow-up question or activate another command without having to say “Hey Google” again. Google says you’ll know it’s waiting if you see a pulsating light on your device.
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The company also says that, unlike Google Assistant, Gemini for Home can better track conversation threads, so you don’t have to repeat yourself with follow-up questions. You would expect this from Gemini or any chatbot, but in terms of usability it’s still probably the more significant part of the update. Keeping the mic open for a few extra seconds is convenient, but it won’t be much use if the AI ​​can’t actually remember what you’re talking about.
These user-requested updates build on improvements to Gemini for Home that Google has been making recently. Just last week, the company announced another batch of upgrades aimed at helping it better understand what you’re saying, including better speech recognition and better handling of more complex commands. The combination of understanding you better and continuing the conversation should be a notable improvement for many users.
Google says Advanced Continued Conversation is available not just in US English, but in supported languages ​​and regions globally, and its improved “side-talk” detection will help it better ignore background conversations. Once enabled, it will work on your Google smart speakers and displays for everyone in the house, including guests.
To activate the feature, Google says open the Google Home app and proceed Home Settings > Gemini for Home Voice Assistant > Continuous Conversations. The only question is whether it feels as natural in a real home as it does in Google sales.
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