Google is slowly rolling out the big Gemini for Home upgrade for its smart home platform, but there is a waiting list, and limited access based on where you live and what devices you've got. Now it seems that there may be a way to skip the queue.
As per a user on Reddit (via Android Authority), you can force the update by entering the "googlehome://assistant/voice/setup" URL into Chrome on your Android device. As yet it's not clear if this works on iPhones with the Google Home app installed as well.
If the trick works, you'll be able to start a free trial of Google Home Premium, and then get the Gemini upgrade. However, some users who have tried the hack only get new Gemini-style voices for the same Google Assistant AI, so it's not working for everyone.
Interestingly, the Redditor who discovered the workaround appears to live in Italy. According to Google, early access to Gemini for Home isn't going to be expanding beyond the US before the end of 2025.
If you're desperate to start playing around with Gemini for Home - perhaps to snitch on misbehaving pets - then the hack is worth a try. Do bear in mind though that you'll need to continue to keep up the Google Home Premium subscription for all the best features.
While simple voice commands and actions are free, video history and more interactive chats with Gemini require a subscription - starting at $10 / £8 / AU$15 a month, after a free trial. You can also get these benefits with a Google AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription too.
Everything seems to be working fine for the Reddit users who've tried this hack, but it is a hack, so bugs are to be expected. If you want to play it safe you might be better signing up for early access and waiting for Google to officially invite you into the program.
The main part of the switch is getting the smarter, more conversational Gemini rather than Google Assistant, and it's going to work with all of Google's older smart home devices too. The upgrade also gets you features like more detailed AI descriptions of video clips.