Tried out Gemini for Home on the Original Google Home Mini
Early access to 'Gemini for Home,' which allows you to use Gemini on Google's smart speakers, has arrived in Japan!
I immediately applied and got it working, so I tried out Gemini on my original Google Home Mini.
The conversation is also introduced in the video.
I'll explain the application procedure for Gemini for Home early access, the number of days until it's usable, the activation steps, and conversations with Gemini!
Table of Contents
Requirements
Looking at the Gemini for Home page, it says:
Gemini for Home can be used with Google's smart home products such as Google Home speakers and Google Nest Cam series, as well as third-party products compatible with Works with Google Home and Matter.
So, it seems it can be used with existing older Google Home speakers.
It's great that we don't have to buy new ones.
I've been a long-time user of Alexa at home, but
I was very curious, so I immediately bought an original Google Home Mini on Mercari (lol).
Even older models are readily available for around 1,000 yen.
Apply for Early Access
Gemini for Home is still in early access at the moment, so an application is required. (As of June 2026)
If you haven't installed it yet, let's install the Google Home app.
Tap your icon in the top right corner of the Google Home app.
Tap 'Home settings > Early access'.
Tap 'Register' to complete.
You'll receive a notification when it becomes available.
Let's wait for a while.
Activate Gemini for Home
5 days after applying
The notification arrived!
The notification also arrived via email, so it seems okay even if app notifications are off.
Open the Google Home app settings, and you'll see 'Gemini for Home,' so proceed with the setup from 'Try it out'.
It says various things, but tap 'Next'.
On the Gemini for Home upgrade screen, tap 'Upgrade'.
You'll be asked to confirm disclosure, so tap 'Confirm'.
Voice selection appeared.
There were about 10 unnecessary voice patterns, with more male voices.
This time, I chose 'Fern,' a common female voice similar to Alexa or Siri.
There are no 'moe' voices, so don't get your hopes up (lol).
This is the filtering setting.
My child can't speak yet, so I'll leave it as is for now.
Something was said about Google Home Premium.
I don't quite understand, but 'Confirm' is the only option, so I'll proceed.
Agree to the additional terms of service.
On the next screen, since this is not a Nest device, I tapped 'No'.
If you'd like to help with improvements, tap 'Turn on'.
With this, Gemini for Home setup is complete!
One thing that concerns me is that I didn't see a 'Decline' button for Google Home Premium earlier, but it now shows Google Home Premium (Ends in 30 days).
I also received an email saying 'Welcome to Google Home Premium,'
but it's not listed under my Google account subscriptions.
It seems like it will end after the 30-day trial period, but... please stop?
Try having a conversation
Anyway, since the Gemini for Home setup was complete, I immediately tried talking to my Google Home Mini, and
Amazing! It's Gemini!
It can handle phrases like 'What station do you think would be best if people from Mitaka Station and Machida Station were to meet?' or 'Not ○○, no ●●... actually ○○,' and it can even answer 'What is x squared plus x factored?'
The conversation is also introduced in the video.
Older Google Home models are available for around 1,000 yen on Mercari.
I'd like to retire Alexa, but at my home, it's dedicated to the childcare record app 'PiyoLog,' and PiyoLog doesn't support Google Home, so PiyoLog, please, please add Google Home support!
That concludes my trial of Gemini for Home on the original Google Home Mini.
I'm looking forward to my smart speaker life from now on.
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