Google opens Gemini for Home to third-party makers with turnkey AI hardware designs

Google Gemini Expands Beyond Nest Hardware

Google is accelerating its smart home AI ambitions by transforming Gemini for Home into a full-stack AI offering that hardware manufacturers can integrate into their products 1

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. The company announced an expansion of its Gemini built in program, providing turnkey solutions that allow partners to skip the multi-year research and development phase typically required for AI-enabled hardware 2

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The initiative opens access to fully validated scalable reference designs, including SOCs, sensors, and microphones built by Google's partners 1

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. Companies can use these designs to create, mass produce, and release cameras and third-party speakers with Google Gemini controls. Walmart has already emerged as an early partner, having released remarkably affordable Onn-branded hardware last year, with a Gemini smart speaker recently leaked 2

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Hardware Partners Gain Access to Google Home APIs

The expanded program provides hardware partners with the same tools that built features like Ask Home and Nest Cam's intelligent scene recognition 2

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. Developers can now access richer smart camera intelligence that provides more details, along with potential integration into Home Brief functionality 3

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Google is specifically focusing on cameras and speakers for its reference designs, with the speaker category being new this year 2

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. This approach mirrors the company's strategy during the Google Assistant era, when it provided similar support for devices outside the Nest ecosystem.

Service Providers Integrate Gemini AI Into Devices

Beyond hardware manufacturers, Google is encouraging carriers, ISPs, and security firms to integrate Gemini AI into devices they make 1

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. AT&T is leveraging Google Home APIs to integrate Gemini features into its Connected Life security service, including Nest Cam AI features . The telecommunications giant announced Google integration for Connected Life late last year and is now expanding those capabilities.

Service providers can offer users features like Home Brief, which summarizes home activity while they're away, and advanced deterrents that create simulated presence in empty homes using automations 1

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Google Home Premium Subscription Drives Monetization

Google Home Premium, formerly known as Nest Aware, will cost users at least $10 per month or $100 annually for the standard tier, or double that for the advanced option 1

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. Subscribers to Google's $20 monthly AI Pro subscription receive standard access included, while $250-per-month Ultra subscriptions get the advanced tier. The subscription model allows partners to offer premium AI features alongside their hardware products.

With more Gemini-powered devices expected to hit the market, Google is positioning itself to dominate the smart home AI landscape. The company has been rolling out Google Gemini to all its products and redesigned its Google Home app with a focus on the AI assistant before releasing it globally last year 1

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. The new app features an Ask Home button that users can tap to interact with Gemini, though it prompts users still on Google Assistant to sign up for the AI experience.