If you’ve ever found yourself shouting your Google-powered smart speaker’s wake word after every single small request, the tech giant’s latest update is going to be a life-changer for you!
Gemini for Google Home, by itself, is a game changer. However, unlike Gemini Live, it doesn’t let you have a free-flowing conversation. It’s more competent when it comes to one-off queries, like when you want to check the forecast for the day.
Gemini for Google Home gets better where it matters most
A better fundamental experience
This leaves no room for follow-up queries without having to call upon the assistant with the wake word all over again. With Gemini for Home’s latest update, Google is flattening this speed bump.
As highlighted by the tech giant in a new blog post, Gemini for Home now has ‘Continued Conversation,’ which, as the feature’s name suggests, lets you continue conversations without having to call up the assistant repeatedly.
With Continued Conversation, once Gemini answers your query, it will continue listening to you with your smart home device’s mics remaining active. This will offer you a chance to ask follow-up questions without having to use a wake word again.
After your first ‘Hey Google’ request, Gemini provides an answer and keeps the microphone active for a few seconds — look for the pulsing lights on your device — so you can jump right back in.
Gemini will remember the conversation thread, so you won’t need to repeat yourself when asking the follow-up question. Additionally, the feature is available globally across all supported languages and regions, not just US English.
Google added that Gemini will be able to distinguish follow-up commands from household chatter, which should reduce accidental responses.
It’s worth noting, though, that the feature is not enabled by default. To enable the feature, open the Google Home app and navigate to Home Settings > Gemini for Home voice assistant > Continued Conversation.
