Now the tech giant says it is finally fixing the experience, and preparing its next set of hardware.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Google revealed a redesigned Home app built to be faster, integrate better with Nest devices, and include new features powered by its Gemini AI assistant. The company also previewed its next-generation Google Home smart speaker, due in 2026.

“I want to be very direct, the Google Home app has not been the experience that we’ve always wanted it to be,” admitted Anish Kattukaran, chief product officer at Google Home and Nest.

Google says it tackled the app’s reliability before layering in AI. “Number one was performance. Performance is definitely a journey. We are not at the destination…It’s got to continue to evolve,” Kattukaran said.

The results include a 70% faster startup, 80% fewer crashes, and more than 100 performance updates in the past year. The app now supports over 800 million devices from more than 50,000 manufacturers.

Nest Finally Under One Roof

Over ten years after acquiring Nest, Google is making the Home app the central hub for all Nest devices. Thermostats, cameras, smoke alarms, doorbells, and locks are now fully managed within it, with emergency alerts, history migration, and scheduling included.

For cameras, live views load 30% faster, playback failures have been cut by 40%, and scrolling through footage runs at six times the frame rate. Notifications now show animated previews, making it easier to check events at a glance.

Gemini Integration and Paid Extras

The redesign simplifies navigation into three tabs — Home, Activity, and Automation. Swiping controls make moving through dashboards and camera views more fluid. AI features powered by Gemini include:

• “Home Brief,” a daily summary of household events
• “Ask Home,” where users can type or speak natural questions like “when did the kids come home?”
• AI-generated descriptions for camera events, adding context to alerts

However, features like Home Brief and natural-language automation will sit behind a Google Home Premium subscription, starting at $10 per month.

A New Smart Speaker on the Horizon

Google also previewed a new Google Home speaker that fully runs on Gemini. The $99 device will launch in spring 2026 in multiple colours — Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade.

“It’s got to work for the existing users. We don’t want to force you to buy a new one unless you want to,” Kattukaran said. “And by the way, we think you may want to, but you don’t need to.”

The speaker offers 360-degree sound, noise suppression, and surround-sound pairing with the Google TV Streamer. A glowing light ring will visually signal when Gemini is listening or responding. Its 3D-knitted fabric casing is designed to cut down on material waste.

Rollout Starts Now

The redesigned and Gemini-integrated Google Home app begins rolling out globally from October 1, 2025, with wider availability in the coming days. Early adopters can join the test through “Home Settings” in the app.

Artificial intelligence, powered by the new Gemini platform and the Tensor G5 chip, is at the heart of almost every update.

Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL

The Pixel 10 lineup introduces several hardware and AI-driven upgrades. For the first time, the base Pixel model includes a 5x telephoto lens, previously exclusive to Pro versions. The Pro Res Zoom feature extends up to 100x zoom, promising clearer details through a new generative imaging model optimised for Tensor G5.

• Displays: Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro feature 6.3-inch displays, while the Pro XL comes in at 6.8 inches.
• Brightness: The Pixel 10’s Actua display reaches 3,000 nits, making outdoor visibility easier.
• Design: Satin-finish metal frame, polished glass back, refined camera bar, and Material 3 Expressive UI with smoother animations.
• Performance: Up to 16GB RAM, bigger batteries, faster wired charging, and 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging on the Pro XL.
• Colours: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, Lemongrass, Moonstone, and Jade.
• Pricing: Pixel 10 starts at $799, Pixel 10 Pro at $999, and Pixel 10 Pro XL at $1,199. Preorders are open, with shipping on 28 August.

Google promises seven years of OS and security updates, alongside Pixel Drops to keep the phones fresh over time.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The company’s new foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, introduces stronger durability and slimmer aesthetics.

• Displays: A 6.4-inch cover display and an 8-inch main screen.
• Durability: First Google foldable with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Camera: Upgraded system with a 48MP ultra-wide sensor and 5x telephoto lens.
• Performance: Runs on the Tensor G5 with Gemini AI features.
• Battery: Larger capacity for longer life.
• Design: Slimmer bezels, stronger hinge.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,799, available in Moonstone and Jade from 9 October.

Pixelsnap Accessories

At Made by Google 2025, Google introduced Pixelsnap, its version of Apple’s MagSafe, across the Pixel 10 lineup.

• Accessories include:
  • A $40 Pixelsnap charger with Qi2 wireless charging.
  • A $50 phone case with a built-in magnetic ring.
  • A $30 ring stand for hands-free use.
  • A $69 Pixelsnap stand charger that doubles as a dock.
  • Qi2-compatible cases priced at $49.99, colour-matched to Pixel devices.
  • A dual-port 67W fast charger.

Pixel Journal App

Google also introduced Pixel Journal, a journaling app exclusive to Pixel 10. Users can add photos, activities, and locations, while locking entries for privacy. AI features offer writing prompts for inspiration.

Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 4 brings multiple improvements:

• Design: Domed Actua 360 display with 10% more visible screen space and 16% slimmer bezels.
• Brightness: Display reaches 3,000 nits.
• Battery life: 25% longer – up to 30 hours on the 41mm model and 40 hours on the 45mm version.
• AI: Direct Gemini access by lifting your wrist.
• Pricing:
  • 41mm Wi-Fi: $349
  • 41mm LTE: $449
  • 45mm Wi-Fi: $399
  • 45mm LTE: $499
• Release date: 9 October.

Pixel Buds 2a and Buds Pro 2

Google expanded its earbud range with two updates:

• Pixel Buds 2a ($129.99):
  • Active noise cancellation.
  • Transparency mode.
  • Tensor A1 chip.
  • Replaceable case battery.
  • 7-hour battery life with ANC (10 hours without).
  • Available in Hazel, Iris, Black, and Purple on 9 October.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2:
  • Gesture controls for calls.
  • Adaptive Audio and Noise Protection.
  • Background noise reduction with Gemini Live.
  • New Moonstone and Silver colours.
  • Update rolling out in September.

Fitbit AI Health Coach

Google is enhancing Fitbit with an AI-powered personal coach. Users can set goals, share available equipment, and receive customised workout and sleep improvement plans. A preview launches in October, integrated into the redesigned Fitbit app.

Gemini for Home

Google confirmed that Gemini for Home will replace Google Assistant on Nest devices, starting with early access in October.

• Works on Nest doorbells, security cameras, thermostats, and speakers.
• Still activated by “Hey Google.”
• Handles complex requests like playing specific songs or adjusting multiple home controls at once.
• Gemini Live integration enables natural, conversational responses.
• Both free and paid versions are planned.

Google’s Vision

At the Made by Google event 2025, Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, summed up the company’s direction:

“We’ve always believed that a phone should be more than just a tool. It should anticipate your needs and make your life easier.”