Redesigned App Improves Speed and Stability
Google announced a comprehensive redesign of its Home app, aiming to make the experience faster and more dependable. According to the company, the new version can run up to 70% faster on some devices and experiences 80% fewer crashes than earlier releases. Battery usage is also reduced, and the app now loads live camera views up to 40% faster, with a 40% drop in playback failures. Tile previews for cameras load instantly, helping users monitor their homes more efficiently.
Gemini AI Integration Enhances Control
The centerpiece of the update is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI. Premium subscribers gain access to an "Ask Home" bar at the top of each page, which functions like a search field. Users can type natural‑language commands such as "turn off all the lights and close the blinds in the family room" to control multiple devices at once. Gemini also assists in creating automations, offering suggestions to build routines without manual configuration.
Gemini improves the interpretation of camera clips, moving beyond generic alerts like "person detected" to more specific descriptions. For example, the AI might identify a bird hopping into view and label the clip "Robin walking with flowers," allowing users to prioritize meaningful events. In the future, the AI could answer queries about overall device usage, such as how long a TV was on during a weekend, provided the relevant hardware is integrated.
Premium Subscription Structure
Access to Gemini’s advanced features is tied to Google Home Premium. The Standard tier costs $10 per month (or $100 per year) and includes the basic Gemini tools plus 30 days of video history. The Advanced tier, priced at $20 per month (or $200 per year), adds 60 days of video history, more detailed notifications, and daily summaries. Both tiers require users to enable early access in the app’s settings, after which a notification confirms eligibility.
How to Enable Gemini Features
Users who wish to try the new AI capabilities must open the Home app, tap their profile icon in the top right corner, and select Home Settings. Scrolling down reveals an "Early access" option for the Gemini rollout. After opting in, users wait for a notification indicating that the features are ready to use.
Overall, the redesign addresses long‑standing performance complaints while introducing sophisticated AI that promises to make smart‑home management more intuitive. However, the most compelling Gemini functionalities remain behind a subscription paywall, meaning that free users see only the basic improvements without the AI enhancements.
Este artículo fue escrito con la asistencia de IA.
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