Google Gemini AI Expands Smart Home Controls for All Users

Google is expanding its Gemini AI smart home controls to all users, enhancing the Google Home extension with new features. This update allows for more complex commands, making it easier to manage your smart home devices.  For example, you can now say, “Turn on all the living room lights except the armchair light.” The Gemini app enables control of devices like lights, thermostats, and speakers, provided they are linked to your Google account. Initially previewed in November, the Google Home extension enables users to interact with their smart home using natural language. For example, you can say, “The sun is too bright in the living room,” and the system will close your smart blinds.  The latest update enhances this functionality by allowing multiple requests in one command, such as “Turn the armchair light on too, but dim the kitchen lamp.” Users can also inquire about the status of their devices, like checking if the porch light is still on. In addition, Google is introducing the ability to control non-sensitive smart home devices directly from your phone’s lock screen. Other improvements include volume control, media playback options for smart speakers, displays, and TVs within the Gemini app, along with a redesigned thermostat control that aligns with the Google Home app's layout.  For security actions involving cameras and locks, Gemini will now automatically open the Google Home app instead of just linking to it. This launch follows a significant update to Gemini, enhancing its capability to perform complex tasks across various applications. Users can explore this integration by signing into Gemini with the same account used for Google Home and activating the Google Home extension. The rollout begins today and will continue over the next few weeks.