Overall, the redesign signifies a significant step toward more intelligent, natural language-based interactions, positioning Google as a stronger competitor in the AI-driven smart home market.

Google is rolling out a major redesign of its Google Home app for iPhone, with version 4.0.54 beginning to update users ahead of an October 1 announcement, featuring a new, more rounded app icon with a gradient palette and a simplified navigation structure.

The new interface organizes device categories into swipable tabs such as Favorites, Devices, Cameras, Lights, and Wifi, with a vertical plus button for easy addition of new devices, services, automations, or members.

The redesign extends existing Gemini-Home integration, improving control over devices like lights, thermostats, Nest displays, and security cameras, and aims to enable issuing multi-device commands in a single request.

While privacy details are not explicitly discussed, increased AI integration likely involves more data processing, prompting users to review privacy terms and consider data sharing implications.

A prominent 'Ask Home' chat UI now appears at the top of the app, allowing users to interact with a device search chatbot for controlling devices, automations, and viewing statuses through a conversational, voice-enabled interface.

This update simplifies navigation, reduces clutter, and provides quicker access to common actions, especially for managing multiple devices and routines, with a focus on making complex commands more intuitive.

The new 'Ask Home' feature is based on Gemini for Home, a voice assistant that will be accessible to all household members and guests, with privacy considerations such as microphone activity indicators and options for camera history access.

The update also introduces a prominent 'Ask Home' bar with a glowing animation, providing quick access to device management, automations, and status updates, evolving from a simple device search tool to a conversational control hub.

This major update coincides with broader ecosystem refreshes, including new features for Nest cameras and doorbells, indicating a comprehensive upgrade to Google's smart home ecosystem.

Early access for Gemini for Home begins October 1, but regional availability depends on device updates, hardware compatibility, and internet connectivity, with initial rollout unconfirmed in some regions.

The update also replaces the 'Favorites' tab with a new 'Home' tab, adding an 'Ask Home' bar for voice or typed commands, and aims to make routine management more straightforward, especially for users managing multiple devices.