Google Home upgrades to Gemini 3.1 for multi-step voice commands
Google has upgraded its Home smart assistant to Gemini 3.1, enabling users to combine multiple tasks in a single voice command. The update follows last month's improvements to natural language understanding and comes after reports of accuracy issues in the smart home platform.
Google Home upgrades to Gemini 3.1 for multi-step voice commands
Google has upgraded Gemini for Home to version 3.1, adding support for complex, multi-step tasks within a single voice command. The update, announced May 5, 2026, marks the second major improvement to Google's smart home assistant in consecutive months.
What's new in Gemini 3.1
According to Google, the 3.1 upgrade improves the assistant's ability to interpret and act on requests that combine multiple tasks. The update also enhances handling of recurring and all-day calendar events, with new functionality to "move around" upcoming events.
The upgrade follows an April update that improved natural language understanding and device identification accuracy. Both updates address reported issues with Google's smart home assistant, including confusion between different animals in camera footage and inaccurate activity summaries.
Additional platform updates
Google announced several other improvements alongside the Gemini upgrade:
- Ask Home on Web: A public preview allowing users to manage smart home devices from a computer, including natural language searches of camera history and automation creation
- Enhanced notifications: A public preview of expanded notifications with "quick action" buttons for direct device control
- Camera improvements: Unspecified enhancements to the camera experience
- New automation capabilities: Additional automation features, details not disclosed
What this means
The rapid iteration on Gemini for Home suggests Google is responding to early adopter feedback and competitive pressure from other AI-powered smart home platforms. The ability to chain multiple commands addresses a common limitation in voice assistants, though Google has not provided technical details about how Gemini 3.1 achieves this compared to the previous version. The web-based management interface also signals Google's recognition that voice isn't always the optimal control method for complex smart home setups.
Related Articles
Google Gemini app receives full UI redesign with pill-shaped prompt box and gradient backgrounds
Google is rolling out a full redesign of its Gemini app that overhauls every aspect of the user interface. The update introduces a pill-shaped prompt box, colorful gradient backgrounds, and a unified bottom sheet for file uploads and tools.
Google Home Gemini features expand to 16 new countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific
Google is accelerating the rollout of Gemini features in Google Home to 16 countries across Europe and Asia-Pacific this week. The company is now clearing the early access queue daily, with users who opt-in immediately moving to the top of the list.
Google preps Gemini agent for macOS to control computers and organize files, challenging Claude Cowork
Google is developing a Gemini agent for macOS that will control computers, organize files, and integrate with Google Workspace apps. Code analysis reveals features including file conversion to Google Sheets, folder organization, batch file renaming, and meeting follow-up automation.
Google Docs adds persistent instructions for Gemini, capped at 1,000 per account
Google Docs now allows users to set persistent instructions for Gemini that apply across all documents. The feature, available to Google AI Plus subscribers in the US, supports up to 1,000 active instructions per account for controlling tone, style, and formatting.
Comments
Loading...