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If you are still rocking an original Google Home Mini or a first-generation Nest Hub, you probably felt a bit left out last fall. Back in October 2025, Google started rolling out its fluid, conversational Gemini Live assistant to newer smart home devices, leaving the older hardware behind. Today, Google is finally bringing those OG devices into the Gemini era.
According to the latest July 2026 Google Home release notes, Gemini Live is now officially rolling out to the 1st-gen Google Home Mini and the original Google Nest Hub. This adds to the existing Gemini Live support Google has had for the Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, and the newest Google Home Speaker.
How to get Gemini Live on older hardware
If you have one of these older speakers, getting started is straightforward. You just say, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” You will hear a chime indicating that conversation mode has started, allowing you to ask follow-up questions, brainstorm ideas, or dive deep into niche topics without having to constantly repeat the wake word.
However, there is a catch. Because these older devices lack the on-device processing power of newer hardware, tapping into Gemini Live requires a Standard or Premium Google Home Premium subscription (which runs $10 a month). You also need to be enrolled in the Gemini for Home Early Access program to see the feature.
While having a feature locked behind a subscription isn’t always ideal, it is still incredibly refreshing to see Google breathe new life into aging hardware instead of simply forcing a completely new purchase.
If you are already paying for the Home Premium tier for your Nest cameras or advanced automation, this is a fantastic value-add that essentially turns a seven-year-old smart speaker into a modern AI assistant. It keeps those OG devices out of a drawer and actually makes them useful again.
Are you still using a first-generation Home Mini or Nest Hub around the house? Let us know if this Gemini update makes the Premium subscription worth it for you in the comments below.
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