After adopting Gemini for use on my Google smart speakers and displays, I've generally been pleased with the experience. The AI engages in natural dialogue without excessive verbosity, effectively manages my connected home devices, and provides comprehensive updates on weather along with responses to various inquiries. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations so far.
However, there's a specific Google Assistant capability I find myself longing for: the Continued Conversation option, which let the Assistant remain active for a short time post-response to accommodate potential additional questions. This meant users could pose follow-ups without invoking the 'Hey Google' activation phrase each time.
Users could activate Continued Conversation on their Google Assistant-enabled speakers and screens, proving useful in numerous scenarios. For instance, after querying the current weather, one could seamlessly ask about rain chances later in the day or forecasts for the coming week, avoiding repeated wake-word activations.
As Gemini for Home progressively replaces Google Assistant—with Google accelerating early access invitations and committing to 24-hour responses for sign-ups—these devices now incorporate numerous Gemini enhancements. Google assures that core Assistant features will persist, even without a Google Home Premium subscription.
Surprisingly, Continued Conversation hasn't been included in the transition, a gap I've observed along with others. I've inquired with Google for further clarification.
To converse with Gemini fluidly without the 'Hey Google' prompt for every exchange, users now rely on Gemini Live mode, accessible only through the Google Home Premium plan that begins at $10 monthly.
Lacking the Premium subscription, every interaction demands the wake word, resulting in awkward, fragmented discussions such as 'Hey Google, what's the weather like? Hey Google, is rain expected tonight? Hey Google, how about tomorrow's forecast?'
The Continued Conversation feature remains functional on Google Assistant across smart speakers and displays, but it ceases upon switching to Gemini for Home, with no reversal option available.
Does the absence of a similar hands-free mode in the standard Gemini for Home version prove prohibitive? For me, it doesn't—I'm captivated by the platform's innovative capabilities and anticipate deeper insights after extended evaluation.
Nevertheless, the constant repetition of 'Hey Google' seems like a regression rather than progress.
This article forms part of TechHive's comprehensive reporting on leading smart speaker options.
With over two decades of experience covering technology and consumer gadgets, Ben has contributed to PCWorld since 2014 and TechHive since 2019. His work spans smart speakers, sound systems, lighting solutions, and surveillance tech, and has been featured in outlets like PC Magazine, TIME, Wired, CNET, Men's Fitness, Mobile Magazine, and others. Ben earned a master's in English literature.