• Source:JND
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Google has started rolling out its redesigned Google Home app on iOS, introducing the new “Ask Home” feature powered by Gemini AI. The update (version 4.0.54) quietly appeared on the App Store over the weekend, ahead of the company’s October 1 announcements.

Refreshed UI and Icon

The Google Home app now sports a rounded icon with a gradient palette, aligning it with other Google properties like the Google G and Gemini branding. Once relaunched, users in the Public Preview program are greeted by a new “Ask [Home name]” bar at the top of the app’s three main pages, complete with a glow animation. A new vertical pill-shaped “+” button lets users quickly add devices, automations, apps, and home members.

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The navigation has also been simplified to just three tabs:

Home → features Favourites, Devices, Cameras, Lights, Wi-Fi, and more, with swipeable feeds.

Activity → unchanged layout for events and logs.

Automations → unchanged layout for routines and schedules.

Ask Home: Gemini-Powered Controls

Launching “Ask Home” prompts users to acknowledge Gemini disclosures. The interface opens into a chat-style UI with a carousel of device tiles that can be tapped for quick actions. Initially, the assistant functions as device search, surfacing tiles, actions, and automations based on typed input. More advanced prompts are expected after Google’s official announcement.

A key disclosure notes that Gemini for Home will be accessible to everyone in the household, including guests. Voice Match-enabled members can search and view video history from cameras or doorbells, depending on their subscription. Users can also toggle between video and audio-only results on smart displays.

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Gemini Live Feature

Google is also introducing Gemini Live for hands-free follow-ups. For certain queries, the mic will stay active for a short time, eliminating the need to repeat “Hey Google.” A visible indicator will remain on while the mic is active. Google cautions households to ensure everyone is aware that the mic may remain on briefly.

What’s Next

While the redesign is already available to some iOS users, Google has clarified that “Ask Home isn’t ready for your home yet” and that users will be notified once it becomes active. The full rollout is expected after the October 1 event, where more features will likely be announced.