Gemini blocks Google Assistant home control unless you use voice

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Google Bard is now Gemini, and the rebranding also made it the default Assistant app on Android. However, if you’re in the habit of using Google Assistant for home control, Gemini can only replace that functionality if you use it in certain ways.

Google Assistant has been responsible for handling search, home control, and many other tasks on Android for years. So Gemini will step up in their place and have a big job to fill. And in most cases, Gemini will pretty much get the job done. In addition to AI-powered responses to queries, image generation, and more, Gemini also supports some traditional Google Assistant features. One of her features is the ability to smartly control her home.

However, unlike Google Assistant, Gemini cannot handle smart home controls natively. Instead, I pass it on to my assistant, which is a bit fickle.

If you try to issue a command like “turn off the bedroom lights” via Gemini, that command should be passed to the assistant to complete the task. And in fact, it does, but only if the command is issued vocally. If you type “turn off the bedroom lights,” Gemini will return her message with an error generated by her AI. On the other hand, if you type the same command by voice, it will automatically pass that command to her Google Assistant.

The same goes for other Google Assistant commands ported to Gemini, such as making a call or setting a timer. Google confirms that this is also the case in the Gemini app settings.