Since December, Google has been testing a Gemini-powered upgrade for Assistant on some Nest speakers. The Nest Audio is now using the Gemini colors, which raises some interesting branding questions.
In the past day, Nest Audio users enrolled in the Google Home Public Preview that have “Experimental AI features” enabled have noticed Gemini’s blue and purple color scheme on the four circular lights when issuing commands and receiving responses. This is in addition to the upgraded voices.
This is appearing on Nest Audio devices running Cast firmware 3.75.468348. There are no reports from the 2nd-gen Nest Mini, which might not have the hardware and is the other speaker eligible for the preview. Google has yet to test Gemini on Nest Hubs. (It will be interesting to see if that just looks like the upcoming Google TV experience.)
It’s a straightforward change, but that raises some interesting questions about branding. Last August, Google said it would use “Gemini models” to improve Assistant. At that time, the company still referred to this upgraded experience as “Google Assistant.” It seemed that Assistant would remain the brand on Home devices, while mobile (phones, tablets, watches, headphones, cars, etc.) went all-in on Gemini.
At CES 2025 in January, Google said “Assistant” on Android/Google TV would be upgraded with Gemini models. As of earlier this week, Google is now referring to the experience as “Gemini on Google TV.”
It looks increasingly likely that it will soon be Gemini on Nest speakers (and smart displays). While “Google Assistant” is familiar branding, it’s ultimately better for the company to unify under Gemini at this point.
More on Gemini:
- Gemini app rolling out prompt bar redesign on Android, iOS
- Gemini app moves Deep Research, adds Copy Canvas, & more
- Gemini is coming to Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and earbuds from Sony
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