Google Upgrades Home App to Gemini, Boosting Smart Home Performance and Experience

Google's Home App Gets Gemini Upgrade, Overhaul to Improve Performance and Experience MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - Google unveiled a revamped version of its Google Home app on Wednesday, designed to provide a more seamless experience for managing smart home devices. The update brings the AI assistant Gemini AI into the fold, but more importantly, it addresses long-standing performance issues that have plagued the app. According to Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home and Nest, "the Google Home app has not been the experience we've always wanted it to be." He acknowledged that before adding new features, the company had to tackle the app's other problems. "Number one was performance," he said. "Performance is definitely a journey. We are not at the destination. It's got to continue to evolve." The redesign and upgrade aim to centralize device management, making it easier for users to control their smart home devices from a single interface. The update also promises improved reliability and reduced crashes, with Google claiming that the app now starts 70% faster and experiences 80% fewer crashes. Background on the issue is crucial: the Google Home app has faced criticism for its sluggish performance and lack of user-friendly features. This overhaul marks a significant shift in the company's approach to smart home management. Industry experts see this move as a step in the right direction, but also acknowledge that there's still work to be done. "This upgrade is a much-needed improvement," said Sarah Tavel, a partner at venture capital firm Greylock Partners. "However, it's essential for Google to continue iterating and refining its smart home offerings to stay competitive." The revamped app will be available alongside new Nest devices and an upcoming Google Home smart speaker. As the smart home market continues to grow, this upgrade positions Google to better compete with other players in the space. Google's commitment to improving the user experience is evident in Kattukaran's words: "We're not done yet." The company will continue to evolve its smart home offerings, addressing performance and reliability issues as they arise. With Gemini AI now integrated into the app, users can expect even more sophisticated features and capabilities in the future. For now, the revamped Google Home app offers a promising start for those looking to manage their smart home devices with ease. As Kattukaran noted, "it's got to continue to evolve." *Reporting by Techcrunch.*