Google's ambitious plan to replace the classic Google Assistant with its more advanced Gemini AI in smart home devices is taking its first major step beyond the United States. After a controversial but rapid rollout to US users, the tech giant is now opening its Early Access program to Canada, marking a significant milestone in the global deployment of its next-generation home assistant.
Gemini for Home Early Access Rollout Timeline
- Late October 2025: Initial announcement of Gemini for Home.
- Early December 2025: Accelerated rollout begins for US users.
- December 19, 2025: Early Access program expands to Canada.
- Early 2026: Planned launch of French language support.
Gemini for Home Crosses the Border into Canada
Following its accelerated rollout in the US earlier in December 2025, Google has officially announced the expansion of the Gemini for Home Early Access program to Canada. The news was confirmed by Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Nest, via a social media post. Canadian users who previously signed up for the waitlist should begin receiving invitations imminently, with new sign-ups expected to gain access within a few days. This expansion represents a logical next step, given the geographic and market similarities between the two North American countries, though it introduces new complexities like language support.
Compatible Google/Nest Devices for Gemini for Home
- Smart Displays: Nest Hub (1st gen), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max
- Smart Speakers: Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home, Google Home Max, Google Home Mini
- Network Devices: Nest Wifi (points)
- Third-Party: Select third-party speakers with Google Assistant built-in
French Language Support Slated for Early 2026
A key challenge and highlight of the Canadian rollout is the planned addition of French language support. Google has confirmed that this multilingual capability for Gemini for Home is scheduled to arrive in early 2026. This development is crucial for serving Canada's bilingual population, particularly in Quebec, and signals Google's intent to make Gemini a truly global assistant. The move also sets a precedent for how the company might handle other multilingual regions as the rollout continues to Europe and Asia in the future.
How Access Works and Which Devices Are Compatible
Access to Gemini for Home is granted on a per-"Home" basis within the Google Home app, not per user account. This means that when an invitation is accepted, all smart devices linked to that specific digital "Home" will be upgraded to use Gemini. Users with multiple homes set up in the app will need a separate invite for each one. The compatible device list remains extensive, including first-party hardware like the Nest Audio, Nest Hub (1st and 2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Mini, and the older Google Home, Home Max, and Home Mini speakers. Some Nest Wifi points and select third-party speakers with Google Assistant are also supported.
The Promise and Premium Model of Gemini for Home
Google promotes Gemini for Home as a substantial upgrade over the traditional Assistant, primarily due to its superior natural language processing and contextual understanding. The AI is designed to handle more conversational, less precise commands and manage complex tasks. However, Google has adopted a freemium model for this advanced functionality. While basic Gemini for Home features are free, more advanced capabilities—such as Gemini Live, which allows for extended, conversational interactions—are locked behind a paid Google Home Premium subscription. This tiered approach has been a point of discussion since the feature's announcement.
Key Differences: Gemini for Home vs. Traditional Assistant
| Feature | Gemini for Home | Google Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Core Technology | Gemini AI multimodal model | Classic Google Assistant |
| Access Model | Freemium (Basic free, Advanced features require Google Home Premium subscription) | Free |
| Language Understanding | Superior NLP, contextual awareness, handles imprecise commands | Requires more specific, formulaic commands |
| Advanced Feature | Gemini Live (premium) | N/A |
| Availability | Early Access in US & Canada (as of Dec 2025) | Global |
A Controversial Yet In-Demand Transition
The transition from Assistant to Gemini has not been without its critics. Since the initial US rollout, many early adopters have reported frustrations, citing missing features, changed behaviors, and what they perceive as a downgrade in reliability for certain smart home routines. Despite these vocal complaints, demand to try the new AI appears to remain high, as evidenced by the growing waitlists and Google's decision to accelerate the rollout. The expansion into Canada will serve as another major test bed, revealing whether the issues are teething problems of a new platform or more fundamental flaws, and how a different market responds to the change.
The Road Ahead for a Global Smart Home AI
The Canadian expansion is just the beginning. A vast global user base of Google Home devices awaits news of when Gemini will arrive in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. The addition of French support for Canada is a clear indicator that language localization will be a cornerstone of this global strategy. Google's next announcements will likely focus on these broader international plans, pricing for the Home Premium tier in new regions, and how it addresses the feedback and feature gaps identified by early users in the US and now Canada.