QUICK SUMMARY
Following the news of the Google TV Streamer, Google has announced its plans to update Google Assistant’s voice with the use of Gemini.
The voice assistant will be updated to be more natural and conversational, with the update expected to roll out later this year in Public Preview.
If you have a Google Home ecosystem, you’ll be pleased to hear that Google Assistant is getting some exciting updates. This week, Google announced plans to update the voice assistant using Gemini, to make it more natural and conversational – but after hearing it, I’m not completely sold.
Google has announced many new plans and releases this week, including the new Google TV Streamer and the introduction of Gemini to Nest Cams for better camera detection and history viewing. But this new update is all about Google Assistant, as Google focuses on applying large language models to improve its user experiences.
Later this year, Google Assistant, which is available to use on all Google devices including the best smart speakers, will be given a variety of new voices to make interacting with it more conversational. Using Gemini technology, Google Assistant will be able to better understand what you’re saying and asking, and will be able to chat more naturally and helpfully.
Google isn’t the only manufacturer that’s making these types of changes. In late 2023, Amazon announced that Alexa will be made a lot smarter and chattier with AI upgrades, to improve how it understands and responds to your requests, and now Google is taking these steps too.
Having heard the new Google Assistant voice myself, I’m going to be completely honest… I don’t like it! While I understand why smart home brands are updating their voice assistants, I don’t think the voice that the assistant uses is something that needs to be focused on. Instead, I think how the conversation flows between users and the voice assistant should be further developed – something that Google is also planning.
Aside from the more human-sounding voice, Google Assistant will make it easier to ask follow-up questions without the need to stop and re-prompt Google for the answers. Instead, you can have a back-and-forth conversation with Google Assistant without having to constantly say ‘Hey Google’ or ‘OK Google’ to continue the chat.
With the use of Gemini’s generative capabilities, Google Assistant can also bring more fun into a discussion or ‘Q&A’ session, and you can ask it to debate with you. These updates are the ones I’m most excited to see because – call me crazy – but I don’t mind the slightly robotic-sounding voice!
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The updated Google Assistant voice won’t be available until later this year. It’s expected to roll out to Nest Aware subscribers in Public Preview.
Beth is Home Editor for T3, looking after style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, watches, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations! She's also in the know about the latest deals and discount codes from top brands and retailers.
Having always been passionate about writing, she’s written for websites, newspapers and magazines on a variety of topics, from jewellery and culture, to food and telecoms. You can find her work across numerous sites, including Wedding Ideas Magazine, Health & Wellbeing, The Bristol Post, Fashion & Style Directory, TechRadar, CreativeBloq and more. In her spare time, Beth enjoys running, reading, baking and attempting craft projects that will probably end in disaster!
-
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EV
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
By Phil McNamara Published
-
Audi A6 e-tron: your up-market EV estate has landed
The Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
AI-powered Google Nest upgrade simplifies finding familiar faces
Google Nest cameras getting huge AI upgrade, thanks to Gemini
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
You'll never have a false alarm again with Aqara's new smart smoke detector
It's available to buy now
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Blink’s new Sync hub expands its security camera’s reach – but there’s a big catch
Blink releases the third generation of its Sync Module XR
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
I've never been too fussed about smart locks, but this tiny model has changed my mind
The Level Lock+ (Matter) is seriously impressive
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Google’s best smart speaker is half price in this early Black Friday deal
Get 50% off the Google Nest Audio in Best Buy’s early Black Friday sale
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Forget Philips Hue – these LiFX outdoor lights hide under the roof for all-year mood lighting
LiFX introduces Permanent Outdoor Lights for all-year use – but they’d be great for Christmas
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
These light tags are the smartest way to cut down on food waste
Ovie LightTags could be the solution to your food waste problem
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Google upgrades Gemini app with more natural smart home controls – but there’s a catch
Android users get Google Gemini upgrade for better smart home controls than before
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published