Google is opening up its Gemini for Home platform to third-party manufacturers, providing a complete AI stack along with hardware reference designs to extend smart home intelligence beyond the devices Google builds itself.
According to Google’s developer blog, the program enables hardware partners to take advantage of Gemini’s three core capabilities, allowing the assistant to scan security footage and highlight specific moments on request. Ask Home handles natural language control across connected devices. Home Brief generates a daily summary extracted from sensor and camera data across your home.
In addition to the software stack, Google provides a hardware blueprint that specifies recommended components such as microprocessors, camera modules, and microphones. This reduces the research and development burden for manufacturers participating in the program and shortens the path to compatible products.
The first two device categories that Google plans to support through its reference design program are smart cameras and smart speakers, with the blueprint covering Hi-Fi speaker construction and high-resolution security camera hardware for partners who want to build Gemini-enabled products without designing from scratch.
Its support extends beyond device manufacturers to network providers, with Google confirming a partnership with AT&T to bring Gemini-powered insights to carriers’ Connected Life apps, a sign that the company views ISPs and carriers as meaningful distribution channels for its smart home intelligence layer.
Google has a history of integrating its Assistant technology into third-party hardware, having previously worked with Bose, JBL, Lenovo, and Sony to develop devices with Google Assistant natively installed, and its early efforts yielded mixed commercial results for the platform.
The commercial incentives behind the expanded program are also noteworthy, as Gemini for Home requires an active subscription to function. This means that each new compatible device that Google helps bring to market represents a potential additional subscription, not just a hardware sale.
Google has opened a registration form for manufacturers interested in joining the program, but hasn’t confirmed whether participation will be limited to existing brands or if smaller developers can also participate.
