Google is introducing three new voices powered by its Gemini AI for the Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers, increasing the overall number to ten. This development signifies Google’s strategy to integrate Gemini with Google Assistant on its devices, hinting at a potential phase-out of the traditional Assistant in the future. The new voices will be available in a preview build, likely limited to the United States. They join the seven voices added in December 2024, all of which are whimsically named after plants.
The three new voices include Yarrow, with a warm and deeper tone; Croton, known for its smooth and deeper quality; and Pilea, a bright and higher-pitched voice. The earlier seven voices, identified as improved Assistant voices, are Aloe (calm and mid-range), Oxalis (bright and mid-range), Fern (bright and high), Verbena (calm and deep), Ivy (British accent and mid-range), Jade (engaging and mid-range), and Eucalyptus (higher voice with an Australian accent). However, access to these new voices is not universal. Users must own specific Nest Home devices and enroll in the Google Home Public Preview program.
Additionally, they must enable the “Experimental AI features.” Despite this, some users, even within the US, have reported difficulties accessing the feature. It appears that Google is selectively rolling out these updates, leaving many to check if they have received them. To explore the availability of the new voices, users should enable “Experimental AI features” through the Beaker icon in the Google Home app, then navigate to Google Assistant settings. Personally, I enjoy Eucalyptus’s Australian tones, and Croton’s soothing voice would make for an ideal bedtime story narrator.
Overall, the Gemini integration is a positive move for Google’s smart speakers, although it suggests the potential retirement of the Assistant name, which may feel outdated by 2025.
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