In a significant shift, Google is completely revamping its approach to the smart home ecosystem. The tech giant is focusing on leveraging its new AI technology, Gemini, while also unveiling refreshed Nest hardware. At the heart of this transformation is a new subscription service called Google Home Premium, which is set to replace the existing Nest Aware service.
Recent discoveries by the team at 9to5Google have revealed that the upcoming Google Home Premium service will not operate in isolation. Instead, it will be integrated directly into Google One, marking a strategic move towards unifying Google's subscription offerings. This integration is particularly relevant for users in the UK, where Google One subscribers already receive Nest Aware as part of their package, alongside access to Fitbit Premium.
While many of the features within the Google Home ecosystem are currently available for free, advanced tools, such as those offered by Nest Aware, require a subscription to unlock their full potential. As for the timing of the global rollout for Google Home Premium, it remains unconfirmed. However, if it does launch worldwide, it is anticipated to be a key feature of the Google One AI Pro plan or higher.
The latest app update (v3.41) indicates that Google Home Premium will provide expanded video history and intelligent alerts. The integration of Gemini aims to create a seamless and cohesive experience across Google’s smart home devices. This AI technology promises to enhance security features with capabilities such as Familiar Faces recognition and motion recording, allowing compatible cameras to identify and remember regular visitors.
The major transition towards intelligent awareness is a highlight of Google Home Premium. Google describes this innovation as "security that understands what it sees," offering users detailed AI event descriptions, smart alerts, and daily activity summaries. Last month, Google confirmed that Gemini would officially take over from Google Assistant in the Google Home environment, with both free and paid tiers available.
Speculation suggests that the paid tiers, possibly named "Google Home Premium" and "Google Home Premium Advanced," may replace the current Nest Aware Plus subscription. Currently, Nest Aware Plus offers 24/7 continuous recording and extended video history. If the new tiers follow this model, they are expected to expand on these capabilities, further enhanced by Gemini’s AI intelligence.
Beyond the introduction of the new subscription model, the app's code hints at a comprehensive redesign of the Google Home app, featuring a new function called Ask Home. This innovative feature allows users to describe the automation they desire or verbally search through their home's history, promising to enhance user interaction significantly.
This major overhaul of the Google Home ecosystem, including the anticipated launch of Google Home Premium and new hardware, could redefine how users interact with their smart homes. As Google continues to integrate advanced AI capabilities, users can look forward to a more intuitive and secure smart home experience.
