Google Home App Gets Major Redesign with Gemini Integration

Google is rolling out a redesigned Google Home app starting today, October 1, built to support its new AI assistant Gemini. The update focuses on speed, reliability, and unifying Nest features that were previously spread across multiple apps.

The new app loads faster and crashes less often, with Google reporting up to 70% quicker startup times on some Android devices and nearly 80% fewer app crashes. Camera performance is also improved: live feeds load about 30% faster, playback errors are down 40%, and scrolling through history now runs at a smoother frame rate.

Google has also folded in features from the old Nest app. This includes support for all Nest Thermostats since 2015, Nest Protect smoke and CO alerts, and passcode management for the Nest x Yale Lock. Older Nest cameras and doorbells now run more smoothly within the Home app, eliminating the need to switch between apps. Yes, that’s right, the Nest app is basically optional now and will soon go the way of the Dodo bird.

The interface has been redesigned around three main tabs. The Home tab gives a consolidated view of devices and dashboards. The Activity tab shows a timeline of events across all devices. The Automations tab introduces new options like one-time routines and conditional starters that only trigger when someone is home.

Gemini plays a central role in the new app. It can generate more detailed camera alerts—such as identifying people by description instead of just labeling them as “person detected”—and power voice or text commands through a new feature called Ask Home. Users can type or speak natural language requests to control devices, search camera history, or create automations. Some advanced features require a Google Home Premium subscription.

The redesigned Google Home app begins rolling out globally today.