google, amazon and gemini Updates

Google is significantly upgrading its smart home ecosystem by integrating its Gemini AI into a new line of Nest devices, including cameras, a doorbell, and speakers. This move replaces Google Assistant with Gemini for Home, enabling more natural, conversational interactions and complex automations. The new Nest cameras and doorbell boast 2K HDR video and enhanced low-light performance, with Gemini providing context-rich notifications and features like 'Home Brief' for activity summaries. Google is also opening its platform to developers and partners, offering an AI camera toolkit to foster wider integration, with Walmart already collaborating on 'onn' branded devices. Meanwhile, Amazon is similarly embedding AI across its latest Kindle, Ring, and Echo devices, enhancing their functionality through Alexa+. In the realm of entertainment, the rise of AI actors like Tilly Norwood is sparking debate in Hollywood, with some defending human artists like James Cameron against AI's encroachment, while others acknowledge AI's potential to reduce costs despite concerns about job displacement and transparency. Separately, smartphone maker Nothing has launched Playground, an AI tool for app creation, backed by a recent $96 million funding round. In healthcare, an AI tool called AI Consult has shown promise in reducing diagnostic and treatment errors in a Kenyan study, though integrating AI into human workflows remains a challenge. Defence Holdings PLC has also released a new AI product for edge analysis, aligning with NATO priorities. California's new AI safety law, SB 53, aims to balance innovation with regulation by requiring transparency and adherence to safety standards.

Key Takeaways

• Google is replacing Google Assistant with Gemini AI across its Nest smart home devices, including cameras, doorbells, and speakers, for more natural interactions.
• New Nest cameras and doorbells feature 2K HDR video and AI-powered enhancements like contextual notifications and activity summaries.
• Google is enabling developers and partners to integrate Gemini AI into their smart home devices and is collaborating with companies like Walmart on AI cameras.
• Amazon is integrating advanced AI into its new Kindle, Ring, and Echo devices, enhancing their functionality through Alexa+.
• The emergence of AI actors like Tilly Norwood is causing controversy in Hollywood, raising concerns about job displacement and the future of human creativity in filmmaking.
• Filmmaker James Cameron emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human artists in visual effects and storytelling.
• Nothing has launched Playground, an AI tool for app creation, following a $96 million funding round.
• An AI tool named AI Consult reduced diagnostic and treatment errors by 16% and 13% respectively in a Kenyan healthcare study.
• Defence Holdings PLC has launched a new AI product for edge-based analysis to support defense capabilities.
• California has enacted a new AI safety law (SB 53) requiring transparency and adherence to safety standards from large AI labs.

Google brings Gemini AI to Nest cameras, doorbell, and speaker

Google is integrating its Gemini AI into a new line of Nest smart home devices, including cameras, a doorbell, and a speaker. The new Nest Cams and Doorbell feature 2K video resolution and improved low-light performance. The Google Home app has been redesigned for better performance and includes a new 'Ask Home' feature powered by Gemini for natural language control. Some advanced features will require a Google Home Advanced subscription.

Google invites developers to test Gemini for Home integrations

Google is expanding its Google Home platform with Gemini AI, allowing developers to integrate Gemini-powered features into their existing smart home devices. This upgrade will enable more natural language control and complex automations for users without requiring developer changes. Developers are urged to test their 'Works with Google Home' integrations immediately. Google is also launching a new program for camera makers, providing a reference design and an embedded SDK to build next-generation AI cameras, with Walmart as an initial partner.

Google's new Nest cameras and doorbell feature Gemini AI

Google has launched new Nest indoor and outdoor cameras and a doorbell, all powered by Gemini AI. These devices offer 2K HDR video, a wider field of view, and improved low-light performance. Gemini AI enhances notifications with more context and enables features like 'Home Brief' to summarize activity. The free tier offers six hours of event history, with paid subscriptions providing longer storage and advanced features. The new Nest Doorbell has a 166-degree view and a 1:1 aspect ratio for better package detection.

Google's AI strategy includes Gemini for hardware and partners

Google is launching its Gemini AI across a refreshed lineup of Nest devices, including cameras and a doorbell, and plans an upgraded Google Home speaker for spring 2026. The company also revealed a strategy to make Gemini accessible to other manufacturers and businesses, similar to its Android approach. Google is providing an AI camera toolkit for partners and has collaborated with Walmart on new 'onn' branded cameras and doorbells. The goal is to enable more natural, conversational interactions with smart home devices.

Gemini AI replaces Google Assistant in smart home devices

Google is replacing Google Assistant with Gemini for Home on its smart displays and speakers, starting this month. Gemini offers more natural conversations, maintains context across interactions, and improves smart home control. It can handle complex requests with exceptions and provides proactive household coordination. Gemini also enhances smart cameras with AI-powered interpretations of events and offers features like 'Ask Home' and 'Home Brief' for summaries and specific footage retrieval. Some advanced features require a subscription.

Gemini AI now powers Google Assistant on smart home devices

Google is replacing Google Assistant with Gemini for Home on its smart home devices, starting in October. Gemini allows for more conversational interactions, understanding context and chained commands, and enabling natural language control of smart home devices. AI improvements extend to cameras, offering more useful notifications and features like 'Ask Home' for retrieving specific footage. Advanced features like Gemini Live and AI-powered notifications require a Google Home Premium subscription.

James Cameron defends human artists against AI in filmmaking

Filmmaker James Cameron discussed the re-release of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and the upcoming 'Avatar 3: Fire and Ash,' emphasizing the importance of human artists in filmmaking. He believes generative AI will never replace human creativity and skill in visual effects. Cameron is fostering a creative culture among his VFX teams, allowing them to contribute more as storytellers. He stated that artists, not AI, are essential for the creative process.

AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood sparks debate in Hollywood

The emergence of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated 'actor' created by Xicoia, is causing controversy in Hollywood. Touted as the next Scarlett Johansson, Norwood has faced backlash from human actors concerned about job displacement. Despite a limited acting portfolio, AI talent studios like Xicoia see Norwood as the future of the film industry, offering pliant, cost-effective digital performers. The long-term impact on viewers and the industry remains a significant concern.

Readers react to AI actors like Tilly Norwood

Guardian readers are discussing the rise of AI actors like Tilly Norwood, with many believing economic factors will drive their adoption in Hollywood despite concerns. Readers note AI's current limitations in humor and complex character interaction but acknowledge its potential to reduce costs. Some worry about the erosion of craft and the lack of transparency for audiences, while others see AI as an inevitable tool that requires adaptation. The debate highlights the tension between artistic integrity and financial viability in the entertainment industry.

Amazon integrates AI into new Ring, Kindle, and Echo devices

Amazon is significantly incorporating artificial intelligence into its latest range of devices, including Kindle, Ring, and Echo products. These new devices will feature AI capabilities, enhancing their functionality and integration with Alexa+. This move signifies Amazon's strong commitment to leveraging AI across its consumer electronics ecosystem.

Amazon's new devices feature advanced AI integration

Amazon is fully embracing artificial intelligence with its newest line of Ring, Kindle, and Echo devices. These products are now powered by AI, enhancing their features and connectivity through Alexa+. This strategic integration of AI aims to provide users with more intelligent and seamless experiences across Amazon's smart home and digital reading devices.

Datavault AI stock trading down

Datavault AI (NASDAQ:DVLT) experienced a trading decrease of 5.2%. The provided context indicated that the original article content was an advertisement and did not contain specific details about Datavault AI's stock performance or the reasons behind the decline.

Nothing launches Playground AI tool for app creation

Smartphone maker Nothing has introduced Playground, an AI tool that allows users to create widgets and customize apps using simple text prompts. Users can build features like flight trackers or virtual pets, or modify existing apps on the Essential Apps platform. While full-screen apps are not yet supported, Nothing aims to revolutionize operating systems with AI-powered features and context-aware devices, building on its recent $96 million funding round.

AI tool AI Consult reduces errors in Kenyan healthcare study

A study in Kenya by Penda Health and OpenAI found that an AI safety net called AI Consult reduced diagnostic errors by 16% and treatment errors by 13%. This AI tool shows significant potential for improving healthcare outcomes in real-world settings. However, the study highlights that the biggest challenge lies in integrating AI into human workflows and overcoming systemic issues, rather than the technology itself.

Defence Holdings launches new AI product for edge analysis

Defence Holdings PLC has released its second classified AI product, designed for edge-based analysis and identification support. This new product aligns with NATO priorities and aims to enhance existing hardware capabilities by improving identification accuracy and decision-making in contested environments. The launch supports the UK Strategic Defence Review 2025 and strengthens Defence Holdings' position in the defense technology sector.

Google Assistant replaced by Gemini AI in smart home devices

Google is phasing out Google Assistant on its smart home devices, such as speakers and screens, starting this month, replacing it with Gemini AI. This transition aims to provide a more conversational and intuitive way for users to interact with their existing smart home technology. The shift signifies a major upgrade in how users will control and communicate with their Google-powered home devices.

Five principles for successful AI adoption in businesses

Top companies achieve AI success by following five key principles: clear strategic alignment with business goals, robust data infrastructure and governance, attracting and developing AI talent, prioritizing ethical considerations and responsible AI use, and adopting an iterative development approach with continuous improvement. These principles help organizations effectively harness AI's potential to solve problems, enhance customer experiences, and create new revenue streams while mitigating risks.

California's AI safety law balances innovation and regulation

California's new AI safety and transparency law, SB 53, demonstrates that regulation and innovation can coexist. The law requires large AI labs to be transparent about safety protocols and mandates adherence to these standards, enforced by the Office of Emergency Services. Advocates argue that such policies protect against catastrophic risks without hindering progress, countering claims that regulation stifles the US's AI race with China. The law aims to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.

Sources

• Google Brings Gemini AI to the Home With New Cameras, Doorbell and Speaker
• Google for Developers Blog - News about Web, Mobile, AI and Cloud
• Google unveils AI-powered Nest indoor and outdoor cameras, and a new doorbell
• Google reveals its Gemini-powered smart home lineup and AI strategy
• Gemini for Home: The helpful home gets an AI upgrade
• Gemini for Home is the official replacement for Google Assistant on smart devices
• James Cameron on the ‘Avatar 2’ Re-Release and Why Gen AI ‘Is Never Going to Take the Place’ of Humans: ‘We Need Our Artists’
• Tilly Norwood: how scared should we be of the viral AI ‘actor’?
• ‘It’s too late to be scared’: readers on the controversial rise of AI ‘actors’
• Amazon unveils new AI-powered devices
• Amazon goes all-in on AI for new Ring, Kindle, Echo devices
• Datavault AI (NASDAQ:DVLT) Trading Down 5.2%
• Nothing launches AI tool for building mini apps using prompts
• Why the human workflow is health AI’s biggest, costliest problem
• Defence Holdings Unveils Second AI Product for Enhanced Edge Analysis
• Your old Google smart home gadgets are about to get chattier. Here’s why.
• Five Principles Behind AI Success in Top Companies
• California’s new AI safety law shows regulation and innovation don’t have to clash