Here’s an early look at Google Home’s massive Gemini-based revamp

The overwhelming number of complaints about Google Home’s less-than-ideal Assistant experience has been well documented, with the company officially acknowledging these issues a couple of months ago. Then came a teaser from the company, confirming that a Gemini-powered revamp to the Home app was coming on October 1. We’re now getting an extensive preview of the upcoming changes, courtesy of a leak.

The code sleuths at Android Authority dug into Google Home version 3.41.50.3 and activated the upcoming refresh, with Gemini (and Gemini Live) naturally taking center stage. As you can see from the screenshots below, users will find a welcome screen upon startup, detailing some of the changes.​​​​​​

What’s also interesting here is the mention of Google’s upcoming hardware, the Google Home Speaker, as well as the new range of Nest Cam and Doorbell.​

Here’s a closer look at Google Home’s upcoming Gemini-based makeover

The revamped app is headlined by “Ask Home,” which manages the AI side of things. You can create automations using natural language, while it can also pull up AI-powered event descriptions, notifications, and daily summaries.

Ask Home is placed at the top of the Home tab in a pill-shaped container that also looks a lot like a typical search field. Tapping Ask Home takes users to the familiar AI chatbot experience, after acknowledging disclosures related to privacy and data sharing. The video above offers an excellent idea about the extent of the changes, with the app’s QR code scanner for new devices also getting a UI refinement.

Android Authority says Ask Home currently doesn’t work as it should, which is understandable since this redesign isn’t officially live yet.

The updated Home, Activity, and Automations tabs

As for other changes within the Home app, Google is reorganizing the bottom bar tabs, with the Devices and Settings tabs effectively relocated. A shortcut to access “All devices” is now available just below Ask Home/search bar (grid icon next to Favorites).

Meanwhile, Settings has moved to the account switcher menu, along with the Labs and Inbox options. In its current form, the Labs and Inbox icons are positioned to the left of the account switcher menu. Accessing these options will require an additional tap in the upcoming redesign.

Lastly, the updated Activity tab doesn’t have a Create floating action button (FAB) in this revised Google Home app. However, Android Authority posits that this is probably due to activation issues.

All we need to do now is wait until October 1, when Google is expected to roll out early access to the updated Home app.

What do you think about these changes?