Google Focuses on Gemini AI
Google announced it will retire Google Assistant later this year in favor of Gemini AI. Google will phase in the replacement focusing initially on Android devices with more than 2GB of RAM running Android 10 or later. The change comes amid a platform shift at the company to more generative AI tools. Gemini has released several new features in recent months including tailoring responses to past search queries and the ability to recall past conversations with the AI.
The Circana Take:
- With many overlapping features, it is not a surprise that Google has chosen to focus on Gemini AI. Gemini AI’s ability to analyze video footage and its more intuitive conversations make the application a powerful companion to Google’s smart home devices and a worthwhile addition to the company’s video and audio devices as well.
Abode Security Systems Work with Apple TV
Users of Abode smart home systems now have a new platform on which to control their devices. The company just released its first Apple TV app (along with an Android TV app). The new software will allow Abode owners to monitor camera footage and search their historical clips all from their TV. Abode makes two signature products - the Smart Security Kit and Iota All-in-One Security Kit - which support Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. The company is not developing apps for other connected TV platforms at this time.
The Circana Take:
- The television is a natural location to review security camera feeds and Abode is investing in some of the largest installed base platforms to offer this feature.
- Users have so far been lukewarm on accessing camera footage this way, opting instead to view footage on mobile devices. While investing in Apple and Android TV platforms is a sensible start and presumable touches many of Abode’s users, expanding access to more TV platforms will help draw in more users.