What you need to know
Google Home’s app on Android is gradually rolling out a Public Preview test dubbed “Voice Assistant.” This innovative test is designed to enhance user control over who can access Google’s experimental AI feature, Gemini, on their smart home devices.
Gemini first made its appearance in a test for Nest devices last December, but the recent I/O 2025 event unveiled even greater possibilities for Google Home. Users can look forward to improved AI-generated automations and a host of new features.
- Google Home’s app on Android is slowly receiving a Public Preview test called “Voice Assistant.”
- This test is reportedly giving users more control over who can use Google’s experimental AI (Gemini) feature on their smart home devices.
- Gemini appeared in a test for Nest devices last December; however, I/O 2025 held even more in store for Home, like better AI-created automations and more.
Recently, Google has initiated an exciting experiment for its Home app testers, enhancing the capabilities of its AI assistant. Observers at 9to5Google have noted the introduction of a new “voice assistant” experiment within the Public Preview for Google Home. This initiative focuses on how household members can engage with the various experiments Google offers for smart devices. The test description indicates that users can “Choose how people can access Assistant experiments on all eligible devices in this home.”
With Gemini’s influence, the Public Preview experiments are now more accessible, but with a caveat: access is restricted to those who have set up “Voice Match” in Google Home. Currently, this option is available on Android under the Google Assistant with assistance from the Gemini section of the Public Preview.
Gemini arrives for a Smarter Home
It comes as no surprise that Gemini has been steadily claiming its space within the Assistant’s ecosystem, and Google Home is no exception. Last December, Gemini entered the Public Preview for testing on Nest devices, allowing users with a Nest Audio or Nest Mini (2nd gen) speaker to request AI-powered responses. While these responses were delivered through the traditional Assistant interface, it was Gemini’s advanced capabilities that powered the interaction.
Google has emphasized that the AI’s large language model (LLM) provides users with more comprehensive answers, spanning a wide array of topics. The test even allowed for follow-up questions, enhancing the conversational experience.
At the recent I/O 2025 event, Google unveiled additional features for Google Home beyond the main highlights. Among these was a “summaries” test aimed at its Pixel devices. The forthcoming “Home Summary” widget will deliver concise notifications on users’ lock screens, informing them about significant occurrences at home, such as package deliveries. Furthermore, the company reiterated its commitment to enhancing the “help me create” feature within the Home app, offering users more automation starters based on weather conditions and specific dates.
