Google Home Gets Gemini 3.1 Upgrade, Expanding AI Voice and Camera Controls

Google announced that its smart-home platform now runs Gemini 3.1, enabling the assistant to interpret and execute complex, multi-step commands, manage recurring and all-day events, and “move around” upcoming calendar entries. The update also adds easier camera navigation, expanded notifications with quick-action buttons, and a public preview of “Ask Home on Web,” which lets users manage devices and create automations from a desktop browser. Early-access users received the upgrade in May 2026; broader rollout will follow.

The Verge

Google unveiled an AI-focused redesign of Google Home in late 2025 and released Gemini on phones and tablets in February 2026. The May 2026 Gemini 3.1 update is the first to bring the model’s advanced reasoning to smart speakers.

Ars TechnicaThe Verge

Gemini 3.1 adds “advanced reasoning” that Google says improves scores on ARC-AGI-2 and Humanity’s Last Exam, benchmarks for logical problem-solving. The model can handle multiple tasks in a single prompt, supports natural-language camera searches, and enables notifications with actionable buttons.

Ars Technica

Google’s product team said the upgrade enhances the assistant’s ability to interpret and act on requests. The company said the Ask Home on Web preview will let users search camera history, check devices, and create automations via natural language. It also said notifications now include quick-action buttons for direct device control.

The Verge

Independent testing reported bugs in earlier versions, such as misidentifying animals in camera footage and inaccurate activity summaries. Critics note that higher benchmark scores do not guarantee tangible benefits for typical short-command smart-speaker use.

The Verge

Google cites gains on ARC-AGI-2 and Humanity’s Last Exam as proof of superior reasoning, yet analysts argue these tests target complex problem-solving rather than everyday voice-assistant tasks. The timeline for a full public release of “Ask Home on Web” remains undisclosed.

Ars Technica

• “Google Home users can now ask Gemini to complete more complex, multi-step tasks and combine multiple tasks in a single command.” — Google, product announcement

The Verge

• “Ask Home on Web will allow Google Home users to manage their smart home from a computer, including searching camera history with natural language, checking on devices, and creating automations.” — Google, feature preview

The Verge

• “Google notes the improved model can process multiple different tasks in a single prompt, saving you from breaking up tasks into multiple commands.” — Google, official blog

Ars Technica

• “improved and expanded notifications” that include “quick action” buttons that can be used for device control directly in the notification. — Google, feature description

The Verge

• “advanced reasoning to better interpret and execute complex, multi-step voice commands.” — Google, technical brief

Ars Technica

• “1, which it says will improve the smart home assistant’s ability to interpret and act on requests.” — Google, product team

The Verge

Google will broaden the “Ask Home on Web” preview later in 2026 and continue refining Gemini’s reasoning. Upcoming updates aim to improve camera-feed accuracy, fix known bugs, and extend quick-action notifications to more devices.

The Verge