Key Takeaways

• Gemini Live is being rolled out to the first-gen Google Home Mini and Nest Hub, requiring a Google Home Premium subscription.
• The conversation memory window has been extended to 15 minutes, allowing for contextual follow-up questions.
• The update shows Google’s commitment to supporting older smart devices, contrasting with competitors like Amazon.

Google Expands Gemini Live to Older Devices

Google has announced the rollout of Gemini Live to its original smart devices, the first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hub. This update, which is part of Gemini for Home early access, is especially relevant for users of these older models. The Gemini Live feature integrates Google’s live AI chatbot capabilities, which had previously been available on newer models like the Nest Mini and Nest Hub Max since October 2025.

While the update brings exciting advancements for long-time users, it comes with a caveat: access to Gemini Live is gated behind a Google Home Premium subscription, available for $10 per month in the U.S. or its equivalent in other currencies. Subscribers who are part of the early access program can activate Gemini Live by simply saying, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” This interaction will enable users to engage in conversations with their devices, asking questions about recipes, travel advice, or various other topics.

In addition to the Gemini Live launch, Google has extended Gemini’s conversation memory window to 15 minutes. This means users can ask follow-up questions about previous discussions within this time frame, allowing for a more fluid and contextual conversation experience.

Google’s decision to enhance these aging smart speakers and displays reflects a notable commitment to user experience, especially when many tech companies tend to phase out support for older devices. For instance, Amazon faced criticism for discontinuing support for older Kindle models that have a dedicated user base. In contrast, Google appears to be striving to maintain functionality and provide new features for its early smart home devices.

For existing subscribers interested in accessing the Gemini for Home early access program, they will need to request access through the Google Home app, ensuring it is updated to the latest version. The steps can be easily followed within the app settings. Users can also refer to the Google Home and Nest help page for regional availability and additional information.

The updates represent a shift towards ensuring customer satisfaction and adapting to the needs of long-time users of Google’s smart home technology. As the industry evolves, this approach could redefine how tech companies support legacy devices in their ecosystems.

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