Google is rolling out its new Gemini voice assistant for smart speakers, but the transition hasn’t gone smoothly. Although the company touts success, early user feedback highlights several critical issues, particularly with understanding commands and controlling connected devices.
User Feedback: Frustrations with Gemini
The rollout of Gemini is garnering mixed reviews. Users have expressed frustration with how the assistant handles simple tasks. For instance, some report that when they set alarms, it misunderstands the time, turning a 5 PM alarm into 5 AM instead. These foundational issues are concerning because voice assistants are expected to execute basic tasks like setting alarms and managing smart home devices efficiently.
Indeed, controlling everything from lights to locks is a fundamental requirement for any voice assistant, particularly since Gemini is meant to become the default assistant on Google Home devices. Users are entitled to expect reliability and responsiveness from Gemini, and right now, many don’t feel it delivers.
Gemini’s Features and Limitations
The rollout includes plans for new AI-driven features, like a chatbot interface within the Google Home app. This will allow users to interact with their smart devices through natural language commands. However, for now, these features aren’t widely available. The rollout started on October 28 through an early access process, which many users found convoluted.
Additionally, while Google’s marketing promises multiple command functionality—like turning on lights and locking doors in a single phrase—initial tests reveal that this feature isn’t performing as expected. Some users have noted that past functions available with Google Assistant seem to regress in Gemini, complicating the transition.
- AI-driven chatbot features
- New security camera descriptions
- Subscription required for some features
- Early access is complex
- Widespread rollout expected next spring
Concerns About AI Functionality
Despite its fancy new AI capabilities, some experts warn that while generative AI is good at chatty conversations, it often struggles with consistency. This inconsistency is evident in user feedback, where common sense tasks seem harder than they should be.
These challenges echo problems seen in Amazon’s Alexa as well, showing that the shift to more conversational AI isn’t as simple as it sounds. Until these bugs are ironed out, relying on voice assistants for essential home control might be risky.
