Google's Smart Home Upgrade: What's New and When to Expect It

Google has been busy updating its smart home features, and there's a lot to unpack. The new Google Home app is already out there, and it's got some cool new tricks. For starters, it's got three tabs at the bottom, making it easier to navigate. If you're on version 4. 0, you're good to go. The Ask Home feature is live in several countries, including the U. S. , Canada, the U. K. , Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. With this, you can search for devices, ask about their status, and control them in real-time. It's like having a personal assistant for your home. But wait, there's more! If you're a Google Home Premium Standard subscriber, you can create automations using natural language. Need the lights off when you leave? Done. Want the living room cozy and your favorite tunes playing at 7 PM? Easy. You can even save personal info to make your experience more tailored. For those with Google Home Premium Advanced, the camera features are next-level. AI descriptions and notifications give you detailed info about what's happening at home. You can search your video history with natural language and get a daily summary of important events. This is rolling out to select countries now and will hit other regions in early 2026. Later this October, the Gemini for Home voice assistant will start rolling out to early access users. But there's a catch—only the newer devices will get Gemini Live, which requires a Premium subscription.