Google is bringing its Gemini AI assistant to its smart-home offerings to help with everyday tasks.

Nearly a decade ago, the Google Assistant pioneered the role of a helpful voice in the home, introducing millions to the convenience of managing simple tasks and getting quick answers, hands-free. Now, the tech giant is introducing an all-new voice assistant for the next generation of help at home: Gemini for Home.

Gemini has already transformed expectations of what an AI assistant is capable of on mobile devices. It provides direct access to Google’s AI. Gemini for Home is built on the same AI models, with capabilities designed for the home. It offers hands-free help and can manage complex tasks across all home devices, assisting members of the household, as well as visitors and guests.

Gemini for Home uses reasoning, inference and search capabilities, making it more powerful and easier to use than Google Assistant. Users still say “Hey Google” to get started, but their interactions will feel new. Gemini will understand the context and get it done, replacing rigid commands so householders can use more nuanced or complex requests.

Gemini for Home is better at assisting with daily tasks. For example, ask Gemini to “play the song of the year winner from 1990” or “play that song from this year’s summer blockbuster about race cars” and it will help find and play what the user is looking for from across multiple streaming platforms.

Users can issue multiple commands at once to control the home: “Dim the lights, and set the temp to 20 degrees.” Gemini can also reason through complex commands, so users can say things such as: “Turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom.”

There is improved natural language support for calendar creation, list creation and timers. Try: “Add the ingredients to make an authentic Italian lasagna to my shopping list” or “Set a timer for perfectly blanched broccoli.” Users can also ask Gemini to create a calendar event for the season premiere of their favourite show, and it will show up in their Google calendar.

With Gemini at the core, users can quickly get answers tailored to their needs on a number of topics. They can ask: “How can I keep raccoons out of my backyard at night?” or “Given weather, crowds and hotel prices, what’s the best time of year to visit the Greek islands?”

Gemini Live is now coming to the home. With its intuitive conversational capabilities, it’s easy to get detailed, personalised and expert help. Users can kick off a Gemini Live conversation with “Hey Google, let’s chat” and from that point on, have a natural back-and-forth discussion with no more “Hey Google” required. They can explore new concepts, learn a skill, brainstorm ideas or get personalised advice. They can also interrupt responses to refine or redirect the discussion, so they get the information they’re looking for quickly.

Gemini Live provides better help for more complex cooking tasks, such as: “I have spinach, eggs, cream cheese and smoked salmon in the fridge. Help me make a delicious meal.” Gemini Live offers suggestions for florentine eggs, a frittata and pasta, along with directions on how to make them. They can even ask for tips as they continue to cook, such as: “How do I know the pan is hot enough?” or “How do I ensure my eggs are fluffy?”

They can explore, understand and ask follow up questions about complex topics with Gemini’s help: “I’m thinking about buying a new car…”. Or get in-depth information, specific to their needs: “Help me come up with a nutrition plan for the week leading up to my first marathon.”

Combined with the power of Google Search, Gemini Live can provide in-the-moment help with problems. “My dishwasher isn’t draining. Can you walk me through some simple troubleshooting steps to see if I can fix it on my own?”

Gemini’s generative AI capabilities make it a creative partner for any moment: “Let’s create a bedtime story for my six-year-old daughter.” Personalise it: “The main character is a scientist, who is also a princess, and loves corn.” Brainstorm together: “Our protagonist needs a furry side-kick. Give me some options.”

Over time, Gemini for Home (gemini.google.com) will replace Google Assistant on existing speakers and displays, with free and paid versions. Early access will begin in October and Google says it will share more details soon.