:

GOOGLE HOME GETS SMARTER WITH GEMINI 3.1 UPGRADE

AI DESK1 MIN READ
TUE, MAY 5, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 3 SOURCES BELOW

Google has upgraded Gemini for Home to version 3.1, enabling the smart home assistant to handle more complex, multi-step tasks and combine multiple commands in a single request.

The update marks Google Home's biggest enhancement since its 2025 AI overhaul. Gemini 3.1 improves the assistant's ability to interpret and act on user requests while handling recurring and all-day events more effectively. Users can now ask Gemini to complete sophisticated tasks that previously required multiple commands. The upgrade also allows users to "move around" upcoming events, providing greater flexibility in calendar management. Google has deployed the update to early access program participants first. The company also enhanced camera controls within Google Home, integrating Gemini's capabilities more deeply into the visual monitoring features of its smart home ecosystem. These improvements reflect Google's strategy to position Gemini as the central intelligence behind its connected home devices, enabling more natural and efficient interactions with smart home technology.

■ SOURCES

EngadgetArs TechnicaThe Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE BIG TECH DESK

SAP is acquiring German AI startup Prior Labs and backing it with significant investment. The enterprise software giant is also restricting customer access to AI agents, approving only select vendors like Nvidia's NemoClaw.

JUST NOWAI Desk

Chrome on Android now allows users to share their approximate location with websites. The feature will soon expand to desktop versions.

JUST NOWIndustry Desk

OpenAI is developing its own AI smartphone featuring chips from MediaTek and Qualcomm, manufactured by Luxshare. Mass production could begin in the first half of 2027, with projections of up to 30 million units shipped within two years.

2H AGOAI Desk

Irish regulators are investigating whether Meta deliberately makes non-algorithmic feeds harder to access, potentially violating EU law. The probe examines if the company uses design tactics to discourage users from alternative feed options.

2H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.