Gemini gets better memory: smart home update refines automations and more
What you need to know
- Google is rolling out several smart home updates, including one for Gemini that expands its “conversational memory” to 15 minutes.
- Gemini Live arrives on first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, alongside improved Automation guidance and smart lock alerts for removed users.
- Recent updates for Google Home include Pet Memory for Gemini and Suggested Automations.
Google is rolling into the weekend with a few updates to its smart home systems that you should check your devices for.
Gemini for Home’s early access is getting a few refinements this week. Google states Gemini Live is now available on first-gen speakers and displays. The patch notes list first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hubs as devices receiving Gemini Live this week. Keep in mind that only Google Home Premium subscribers can access this. On a related note, Gemini’s memory is getting stronger.
Google says the AI’s “conversational memory” now lasts for 15 minutes. This will be present “across the entire Gemini for Home experience.” Users can follow up on something they’ve previously asked Gemini to do, so long as it’s within those 15 minutes. Automations in the Home app will provide clearer “saving guidance.” Google explains that the app will inform users if they’re trying to save an automation with conditions but no starter.
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Improved controls and labels for smart blinds and window coverings in Automations are included, alongside smart lock “security actions disclaimers.” If users remove someone’s access from their locks, the app will tell you that their passcodes “need to be changed or removed.”
A July 2026 update is rolling out for Nest Cameras. This applies to the wired, third-gen Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd-gen), and the Nest Doorbell (wired, third-gen). Additionally, Google now supports more of Walmart‘s Onn cameras: Outdoor Plug-In and Outdoor Floodlight Hardwired. Bug fixes make up the remainder of these updates, and you can view them in full.
The Home is looking smarter
Android Central’s Take
You’d imagine that bringing AI and smart devices into the home would make life easier. It’s touched on that, but Google acknowledges that there’s more work to be done. Users reporting problems and offering feedback helps a bunch, too. Giving Gemini better memory is a highlight for me. Imagine if I told it to turn the lights on in one room, but then changed my mind. I don’t have to restart the entire conversation from scratch now.
This conversational memory update for Gemini reminds us of the Continued Conversations patch from April. Asking the AI to do something is common with so many smart devices to control. What can get frustrating is having to repeat yourself to a computer. Continued Conversations aims to solve that. Google said this highly requested feature helps Gemini “remember” what’s going on. It helps make the experience seamless, which is another area Google’s been working on.
Gemini would keep its mic open for a few extra seconds, in case there’s something to add. This memory upgrade takes this concept and expands on it. Even after Gemini closes its mic, you can still follow up, and it’ll (hopefully) remember your conversation from two minutes ago. Pet Memory was another recent patch for Gemini that lets users customize how the AI recognizes their fur babies.
Instead of the generic sentences (i.e., “dog is walking in the living room), users can let the AI know the little one’s name.
