Google Enhances Smart Home Automation with Gemini AI in Google Home App

Google Home preview users just got another Gemini AI feature

Gemini can now pitch in if you're looking to create automations in the Google Home app. Google is stepping up its Gemini AI rollout for smart home users, delivering access to a new Gemini-powered feature in the Google Home app. Android users enrolled in Google Home's Public Preview can now help test "Help me create," a Gemini AI-infused tool that lets you create Google Home automations from natural-language prompts. Here's how it works: You open the Google Home app, tap the Automations tab, tap Add, then tap "Help me create." Next, just describe in English (yes, just English, at least for now) what you'd like the automation to do. For example, you could type (or say) "Turn off the lights at 11 p.m. every night," "Lock all the doors when everyone's away," or "Set a meditation time reminder." Then just tap "Create," and the Google Home app -- with help from Gemini -- will compose an overview of a proposed automation. You can then rate the Gemini-created automation, ask for a do-over, or rename and save the routine if you're happy with it. You'll also get the chance to edit the main elements of the routine, including its starters (one or more events that trigger the automation), conditions (handy for routines that you only want to run when nobody is home, or at a certain time for day), and actions (what the automations actually does). The new "Help me create" feature is only available for U.S.-based Android users in Google Home's public preview program. You'll also need to sign up for Nest Aware Plus, a subscription plan that gets you 60 days of video events recorded on Nest security cameras, 10 days of 24/7 video history for the same, intelligent alerts for smoke alarms and other occurrences, and more for $15 a month. "Help me create" is just the latest Gemini-powered feature to make its way to Google Home users. Earlier this week, we learned that some Nest speaker owners had started hearing Gemini answer their more complex voice queries; the standard Google Assistant still seems to be handling more mundane tasks. Last month, Google rolled out AI smart search for Nest camera events, which allows you to search your video history using natural language queries. The feature also adds Gemini-generated descriptions to your Nest-captured video clips.

Now Gemini can create those Google Home automations you never felt like bothering with

Google Home just put the final nail in the old Nest app's coffin Key Takeaways Google Home makes automating your smart home easier with customizable automations and Routines. The brand has introduced a new and simpler way to create custom automations with Gemini, available to select users in Public Preview. Gemini generates automation examples like "Help me sleep better," with the option to edit for personalization. ✕ Remove Ads Google Home is a great way to build out and control your smart home products. But if you really want to get clever, you'll want to take advantage of Routines. There are plenty of premade ones, but the real magic comes when you decide to make some of your own. Of course, this is easier said than done, but Google does have tools available to make the process a little easier. Related Google Home: Everything you need to know about the smart home platform Google Home is essential for your smart home setup and makes your day a little simpler Posts Google's Help Me Script was launched last year, and, while it did allow for more customizations, it wasn't exactly the easiest tool to use. Now, Google is attempting to make this tool a little more powerful, injecting it with a AI by using Google Gemini. For now, select users will have access to this feature, as it is still in Public Preview. This should make life a little easier by allowing users to just to more easily create automations on the fly, without having to deep dive into the coding side. ✕ Remove Ads A new and simpler way to automate Of course, this isn't the first time we're hearing about this change, as we did get a small preview of this feature back in November. But the difference here is that you'll actually be able to start using it starting today. As stated before, this is something that is in Public Preview at the moment, so if you aren't one of the lucky individuals that's been selected, that means you won't currently have access, and it will be a little while longer. The great thing here is that you'll be able to utilize Gemini to create custom automations for you going forward. You can describe what kind of automation you're looking to achieve, Google provides examples like "Help me sleep better" or "Save energy while I'm away." Then Gemini will do the heavy lifting and generate one that can be used in Google Home. ✕ Remove Ads Of course, not everything is going to be perfect here, but you can still edit the the automation to your liking. At the very least, Gemini just provides a great starting point. At this point, not all devices and features will be supported, but Google has pledged to add more support as time passes. As mentioned before, this feature is available to limited users, and can be accessed by those enrolled in the Public Preview in the United States. Once you've opted in, it's also important to activate "Experimental AI features." If you've been selected for the Public Preview, you will then be able to start using the new Help me create tool. And just in case you need help with the basics of how automation works, Google has a guide on this that should help. ✕ Remove Ads