Google Unveils Overhauled Home App, But AI Power Comes at a Premium Price

Google Home App Overhauled with Major Redesign, but AI Features Come with a Price Yesterday, Google unveiled its brand-new Home app, featuring a streamlined design and three new AI tools, Gemini abilities, exclusively available to Premium subscribers. The update promises faster performance, reduced battery consumption, and improved smart camera access. Key Details: The revamped app is now up to 70% faster on some devices. App crashes have decreased by 80%. Live views load up to 40% faster for smart cameras. Battery life has been optimized, reducing consumption. Gemini abilities are only accessible with a Premium subscription. Timeline: The update was accidentally teased earlier this week through an iPhone update. Google officially announced the new Home app yesterday. Immediate Impact and Response: The redesign aims to make AI features more accessible. However, critics argue that limiting these capabilities to Premium subscribers may hinder widespread adoption of smart home technology. Industry experts speculate that this move could lead to a two-tiered system, where users are divided between those who can afford the premium subscription and those who cannot. Background Context: The Gemini abilities are part of Google's ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its Home app. This update marks another step in the company's push for more seamless smart home experiences. The new design is expected to set a new standard for voice assistant apps, but concerns about accessibility and affordability remain. What Happens Next: As users begin to experience the revamped Home app, they will need to decide whether the benefits of Gemini abilities outweigh the cost of a Premium subscription. Google's decision to limit these features may spark a debate about the future of smart home technology and its relationship with user affordability. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Techradar reporting.*