Google Home: The Next Generation

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Google announced “Google Home,” a new-generation smart home service integrated with Google AI “Gemini.”

The new-generation “Google Home” integrated with “Gemini” is comprised of four categories: “Gemini for Home,” the AI model for Google Home; the redesigned “Google Home” app; new Nest / Google Home devices equipped with “Gemini for Home”; and “Google Home Premium,” the subscription service renewed from “Nest Aware.” Incidentally, since “Google Home” was first launched in October 2016, it is being renewed to a new generation after a span of nine years.

Gemini for Home

“Gemini for Home” is the core service of the new-generation “Google Home.”

By replacing the existing smart assistant “Google Assistant” with “Gemini,” you will be able to use the AI assistant powered by “Gemini,” and the recognition of people, objects, places, and more will be optimized and improved. Then, through smart home devices like the new-generation “Google Nest Cam” and “Nest Doorbell” equipped with “Gemini for Home,” and the redesigned “Google Home” app, it will evolve from simple smart home control to natural collaboration.

“Gemini for Home” will begin rolling out in the U.S. as an early access “Public Preview” starting Tuesday, October 28, 2025. However, in Japan, “Gemini for Home” is expected to be rolled out in early 2026. Support for Japan and the Japanese language for “Gemini for Home” will require some waiting.

Google Home App Redesign

Coinciding with the rollout of “Gemini for Home,” the “Google Home” app will also be redesigned as an integrated app that allows you to manage all your smart home devices in one place.

The redesigned “Google Home” app will feature a simple new design adopting “Gemini,” while achieving fast and reliable operation, automation, and awareness. Of course, smart home devices that were already registered and supported can also be controlled with the redesigned “Google Home” app.

New Nest / Google Home Devices

Four new Nest / Google Home devices compatible with “Gemini for Home” will be launched: the smart cameras “Google Nest Cam Indoor (wired / 3rd gen)” and “Google Nest Cam Outdoor (wired / 2nd gen),” the smart doorbell “Nest Doorbell (3rd gen),” and the new smart speaker “Google Home.”

The “Google Nest Cam Indoor (wired / 3rd gen)” and “Google Nest Cam Outdoor (wired / 2nd gen)” will be available for sale in Japan starting Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The new “Google Home” is scheduled for release in spring 2026.

The “Nest Doorbell (3rd gen)” is not currently scheduled for release in Japan.

Google Home Premium

The subscription-based monitoring service for Google Home / Nest products, “Nest Aware,” will be renewed as the new “Google Home Premium.”

“Google Home Premium” will offer two plans: “Standard” for a monthly fee of ¥1,000 and “Advanced” for a monthly fee of ¥2,000. Standard features of “Google Home Premium” include “Gemini for Home” functions such as “Gemini Live” without a hotword, “Ask Home” for assistance in creating routines, 30-day video history, and familiar face alerts. The “Advanced” plan adds new features for “Gemini for Home”-compatible smart cameras, including 60-day video history, AI event descriptions, daily “Home Brief” summaries, and video history search with “Ask Home.”

The new subscription monitoring service “Google Home Premium” will be priced the same as the old “Nest Aware.” The “Standard” plan will be included for free with the “Google AI Pro” membership, and the “Advanced” plan will be included for free with the “Google AI Ultra” membership at no additional cost. Incidentally, “Google AI Pro” members can upgrade to the “Advanced” plan for an additional ¥1,000.

Please note that the “Gemini for Home” related features offered with “Google Home Premium” will be rolled out in Japan in early 2026. While it will be available as an early access “Public Preview” overseas from October 2025, the release for Japan and Japanese language support will be later.

Source: Google