Google's Home's latest feature is Gemini-powered 'Live Search' for cameras
Source: Engadget
Overview
Google Home has received several quality‑of‑life updates and a new AI‑powered feature announced by the division’s head, Anish Katturkan, on X. Many of these updates, including the “Live Search” function, are powered by the company’s Gemini for Home service, which launched in October 2025 as the official replacement for Google Assistant on smart devices (Engadget).
“We launched Gemini for Home in Early Access specifically to learn from real‑world usage,” Katturkan said. “With millions of you now testing and shaping this experience every day, we’re pushing regular voice improvements to address your feedback.”
Live Search Feature
The Live Search feature lets you query Gemini about the current state of your home based on what your cameras see. For example, you can ask:
“Hey Google, is there a car in the driveway?”
Availability: Only for Google Home Premium advanced subscribers ($20 per month or $200 per year).
Other Gemini for Home Updates
- Updated models improve answer quality and accuracy, and more reliably play newly‑released songs.
- Better targeting for smart‑home devices by room, house, and device.
- Reduced instances of speakers being cut off prematurely.
- Improved reliability for user‑created automations triggered by voice.
For a full list of changes, see Google Home’s latest changelog.
Enhanced Support for Nest × Yale Lock
Google Home announced enhanced support for the Nest × Yale lock, including:
- Comprehensive passcode management (including guest codes)
- More robust activity history
- Real‑time notifications for lock events
- Enhanced lock settings such as single‑touch locking