The Discrepancy Between Google Assistant and Gemini: A Look at Nest Hub Devices in 2025

As we step into 2025, a striking issue has emerged regarding Google’s Nest Hub devices: they are still operating on the same Google Assistant version that debuted back in 2016. This situation raises questions about software integration and innovation in the smart display market, particularly when compared to the advancements seen in other Google products.

The Evolution of Google’s AI: A Missed Opportunity

Google has made significant strides in Artificial Intelligence with the introduction of Gemini, its new, powerful, multimodal AI system. Since its rollout on Pixel devices in late 2023, users have enjoyed an enhanced, context-aware AI experience. However, for Nest Hub users, the narrative is quite different. Since acquiring my first-generation Nest Hub in 2018, I have noticed little to no progress in the capabilities of Google Assistant. While it seems like there have been updates over the years, the overall experience feels largely stagnant.

A Quick Timeline

To put this into perspective, here’s a brief timeline of the Nest Hub’s releases:
– 2018: Original Nest Hub is launched.
– 2019: The Nest Hub Max hits the market with improved hardware.
– 2021: The 2nd generation Nest Hub is introduced.

Despite the release of newer models, none of these versions have received the Gemini upgrade, leaving many users wondering why their devices still rely on such outdated technology.

Unpacking the Issue

The ongoing reliance on a nearly decade-old Google Assistant raises some critical questions. If devices like the Pixel 6 and 7, which have comparable or even lesser specifications, are capable of running Gemini, why haven’t Nest Hub devices followed suit? This inconsistency within the Android ecosystem is perplexing, especially when considering Google’s ambitious aim to make AI ubiquitous.

It’s almost surreal to think that in 2025, I am still using a voice assistant that seems frozen in time, lacking the growth and capabilities that consumers now associate with modern AI technology. The absence of a clear upgrade path or a formal roadmap for integrating Gemini into smart displays leaves users in the dark.

The Uncertainty Ahead

Currently, Google has offered vague assurances about expanding Gemini “across devices,” but there’s been no concrete information regarding the Nest Hub line. For a company that positions itself as a leader in AI innovation, this lack of clarity is becoming increasingly difficult to justify