Google today introduced new smart home devices, the Nest Hub Max with Gemini and the Nest Audio Pro, which are built from the ground up to run the company’s Gemini AI model. This move marks a significant shift away from the Google Assistant, placing the more advanced and conversational AI directly into its smart speaker and display lineup for quicker and more complex interactions. The new products will be available in the United States later this month.
Key Takeaways
- Google has launched two new devices: the Nest Hub Max with Gemini and the Nest Audio Pro.
- These are the first Google Home products to have the Gemini AI model built-in for on-device processing.
- The integration allows for faster response times and more natural, multi-turn conversations.
- The devices feature updated processors and improved audio hardware.
- Availability in the US is confirmed for late October 2025 via the Google Store and major retailers.
The main change in these devices is the on-device processing of many AI tasks. Previously, Google Home devices would send most queries to Google’s data centers for processing, which could cause a slight delay. The new Tensor G4 chip inside the Nest Hub Max and Nest Audio Pro allows Gemini to handle many commands directly on the device. This local processing results in nearly instant answers to common questions and commands to control smart lights or play music.
Gemini, Google’s most capable family of AI models, allows for more than just simple commands. During a demonstration, the new Nest Hub Max was able to understand and execute a multi-step request like, “Find a good chili recipe, add the ingredients to my shopping list, and then play a classic rock playlist on YouTube Music.” The system handled the entire sequence without needing separate commands. This capability extends to controlling a connected smart home, making interactions more fluid.
The Nest Hub Max with Gemini features a 10-inch HD display and a more powerful speaker system for clearer audio during video calls and media playback. The hardware design is similar to its predecessor but includes the new Tensor G4 chip and increased RAM to support the demands of the Gemini model. The Nest Audio Pro is a larger version of the original Nest Audio, designed to offer higher-fidelity sound with more defined bass and clearer highs, directly competing with other premium smart speakers.
Google confirmed that while these new devices offer the most complete Gemini experience, some Gemini features will also be made available to older Nest devices through a software update. However, the on-device processing and quickest response times will be exclusive to the new hardware. The Nest Hub Max with Gemini is priced at $249, while the Nest Audio Pro will sell for $129 in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main difference between Gemini and Google Assistant on these devices?
A: Gemini is Google’s more advanced AI model. On the new Nest devices, it can process many commands directly on the hardware for faster responses and understand more complex, multi-part requests. Google Assistant typically relies more on cloud processing.
Q2: Will my old Google Nest Hub or Nest Mini get Gemini?
A: Google has stated that some Gemini features will come to older Nest devices via a software update. However, the faster performance due to on-device processing will only be available on the new models built with the necessary hardware.
Q3: Can the new Nest Hub Max with Gemini make video calls?
A: Yes, the Nest Hub Max with Gemini supports video calling through Google Meet, just like the previous model. The device still includes a built-in camera for this purpose.
Q4: What is the price of the new Google Nest devices in the US?
A: The Nest Hub Max with Gemini is priced at $249, and the Nest Audio Pro will be available for $129.
