Hey Gemini

It’s been on the cards for a while and now Google is set to retire Google Assistant from mobile devices by the end of 2025, ushering in the era of Gemini. This transition extends beyond phones and tablets, impacting cars, headphones, and smartwatches. However, the future of Google Assistant in smart home devices remains ambiguous, leaving users wondering how their daily routines will change.
Google Assistant is deeply ingrained in the functionality of Home and Nest devices, as well as numerous third-party smart home products. Unlike the straightforward replacement on mobile, Google hints at a "new experience, powered by Gemini," for smart home devices, suggesting a unique implementation tailored to the home environment.

This ambiguity stems from Gemini's current limitations. While the AI excels at complex tasks like image analysis, document summarization, and human-like conversations, it struggles with basic commands. Users have reported difficulties with simple tasks like setting timers or receiving accurate, reliable information. Gemini's tendency to "hallucinate" information, fabricating details like train schedules, raises concerns about its trustworthiness in hands-free scenarios.
For many, Google Assistant is a daily tool for setting timers, managing shopping lists, checking the weather, and controlling music. These fundamental tasks form the core of smart home interactions. Google's phrase "powered by Gemini" implies a necessary fine-tuning of the AI to meet these basic needs.
The latest Gemini 2.5 Pro demonstrates significant improvements, particularly in reducing hallucinations, a crucial step for smart home integration. However, it remains exclusive to Google Advanced subscribers. This highlights the ongoing development required to make Gemini a reliable smart home assistant.
Ideally, Gemini should be a seamless upgrade, but its current performance suggests a need for adaptation. Smart speakers don't need academic citations; they need to accurately respond to simple prompts. Google's challenge lies in creating a version of Gemini that prioritizes reliability and efficiency for smart home use.
Furthermore, device compatibility remains a concern. Older devices, like the 2019 Nest Mini, may struggle to run Gemini. If Google deems them incapable, users could face a gradual decline in their smart home device functionality as Assistant features are phased out.
In the coming months, Google must clarify its vision for a "powered by Gemini" smart home experience. Until then, users are left with the prospect of a potentially significant shift in how they interact with their smart homes, including the possible change of the familiar "Hey, Google" hotword.

Ep 315: Image created by AI