It increasingly feels like Google’s AI assistant is omnipresent across our devices, and from next month, it could also be in your home.

In an X post on Tuesday, the company teased, “Gemini is coming to Google Home” and told us to “Come back October 1.”

At its Made by Google event in August, the company announced Gemini for Home amongst a slew of other product announcements, so this has been in the works for a while.

Tuesday’s X post teaser appears to show an image of a Nest camera, which Google last upgraded four years ago, suggesting the security camera could be set for a refresh. An upgraded Nest speaker and doorbell, both with 2K camera support, could be also part of the Oct. 1 unveiling.

Google did not immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.

The company announced just last month that Gemini for Home will eventually replace Google Assistant in its smart home devices. You’ll still activate Gemini with “Hey Google,” but the advanced AI tech will be able to better interpret more complex and nuanced instructions and questions.

Maybe you’re stumped as to what to make for dinner, so it could be: “Hey Google, what quick pasta dish can I cook in less than an hour?” or “Give me a recipe for Caesar salad.” Gemini is also designed to work with thermostats and smart lights, so you might tell it to “turn the temp to 68 degrees” and “turn off all the lights except in the kitchen.”

The market for smart home technology is expected to grow by 23 percent over the next five years, according to Grand View Research.

Apple is still hard at work on becoming a relevant player in AI. The latest missive from Mark Gurman at suggests that Apple is shifting its artificial intelligence goals to center on new device segments. Sources reportedly told the publication that Apple has a slate of new smart home products in the works that could help pivot its lagging AI strategy.

The center of the new lineup is a tabletop AI companion that has been described as an iPad on a movable robotic arm. It would be able to swivel to face the screen toward a user as they move around their home or office. Sources said the current prototype uses a horizontal display that’s about seven inches while the motorized arm can move the screen about six inches away from the base in any direction. Equipped with a to the Siri voice assistant, this device could act like an additional person, recalling information, making suggestions and participating in conversations. According to Bloomberg, Apple is targeting a 2027 release for this product.

Apple’s new lineup is also rumored to include a smart home hub that is a simpler version of the robotic friend with no moving stand. We might be seeing this sooner, with a projected 2026 release for the device. This hub device would be able to control music playback, take notes, browse the web and host videoconferencing. Both the robot companion and the smart home hub are reportedly running a new operating system called Charismatic that’s designed to support multiple users. The Siri running on the device will be given a particularly cheery personality, and it may also be getting a visual representation. Bloomberg‘s sources said there hasn’t been a final decision on aesthetics; internal tests have had Siri looking like an animated Finder icon and like a Memoji.

Today’s scuttlebutt follows on previous reports from Gurman that pointed to Apple’s interest in these categories. The idea of a smart home hub was apparently floated at the company as far back as 2022, and it’s finally being to have a formal debut some time this year. Robots have also been a topic of interest in Cupertino for some time, with claims that Apple was developing a personal robot dating back . While this Bloomberg piece offers more detail about those hypothetical plans, there’s always a chance Apple will change direction or scrap a project.

Setting up a smart home doesn’t mean turning your living room into a tech showroom or draining your savings. Honestly, it can be as simple as plugging in a few key devices that make your day-to-day a little easier.

If you’ve been curious about smart home tech but weren’t sure where to start, this is for you. We’ve pulled together an affordable smart home setup for beginners – six tried-and-true devices that are easy to install, family-friendly, and don’t require a monthly subscription or a computer science degree.

Start with one, or try them all together. Either way, this is a great way to dip your toe into the world of smart home living without overdoing it.

This post includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you shop through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business while you shop smarter!

 

$34.99 on Amazon

This is where it all starts. The Echo Dot lets you control smart lights, plugs, thermostats, air purifiers—you name it—with just your voice. You can also use it to set timers, stream music, check the weather, or tell Alexa to remind the kids (again) to brush their teeth. The newest model even includes a temperature sensor and better sound, making it one of the most useful smart gadgets you can get for under $40.

 

$12.99 on Amazon

This bulb is proof that you don’t need a whole smart lighting system to get started. Just screw it in, connect it through the Alexa app, and you can change colors, set timers, and dim the lights—all without leaving the couch. It’s great for bedrooms, reading nooks, or those nights when the vibe needs to shift from “wild chaos” to “calm bedtime.”

 

 

$24.99 on Amazon

Want your regular lamp or coffee maker to feel a little more 2025? Plug it into this, and suddenly you’ve got voice control, automated schedules, and the ability to shut it off from anywhere. One of the simplest, most satisfying smart home upgrades.

 

 

$54.99 on Amazon

This updated Ring model gives you live video, motion alerts, and two-way talk, all managed through your phone. It installs in minutes (no hardwiring!), and the head-to-toe video gives you a better view of everything from visitors to porch packages. It’s a quick, affordable way to feel more in control of your front door—especially when you’re not home.

 

 

---

Quick tip: Your smart home is only as smart as your phone plan

If you’re going to control your devices from your phone—like turning off the lights while you’re at work or checking your video doorbell from the carpool line—you need a solid data connection. A lot of people forget this part, but it matters.

Get $120 Off Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Plan
For a limited time, new customers can grab Mint Mobile’s 12-month Unlimited plan for just $20/month. That’s $120 in savings and a full year of unlimited talk, text, and data to stay connected to your smart devices—without overpaying for service.

Try the savings calculator here to see how much you’d save.

Heads-up: Upfront payment required. Speeds may reduce after 35GB. Hotspot use capped at 10GB/month. See mintmobile.com for details.

---

$79.99 on Amazon

If you’ve ever left the house with the heat still blasting or wanted the AC on before you walked in the door—this is for you. This thermostat works with Alexa to adjust temps automatically based on your routine. It’s Energy Star-certified and might even qualify for rebates through your local energy company.

 

 

$74.99 on Amazon

We love this one for bedrooms or shared spaces. It filters dust, smoke, and allergens quietly (as low as 24dB!), and you can control everything through the app or Alexa. It’s a great way to round out your setup, especially if you have pets, seasonal allergies, or just want cleaner air indoors.

Want to start a smart home setup without overcomplicating things?

This is the place to start. Each one of these devices is easy to install, budget-friendly, and works well on its own—but they’re even better together. Whether you’re trying to stay on top of security, save energy, or just make mornings smoother, this affordable smart home setup for beginners has you covered.

And with a better phone plan in the mix? You’ll actually be able to stay connected to your home, even when you’re not in it.