GOOGLE PUSHES GEMINI AI TO BOOST SMART HOME PROFITS

The smart home sector has struggled to generate returns despite massive industry investment. Amazon has lost money on its Echo ecosystem despite placing hundreds of millions of devices in homes, while Google has similarly faced challenges monetizing its substantial Nest portfolio. Google's new strategy targets third-party manufacturers, extending Gemini capabilities across a broader range of smart home devices. The move reflects a shift toward subscription-based revenue models rather than hardware sales alone. The expansion comes as major tech companies seek profitability in smart home markets where adoption has plateaued. By licensing AI technology to other manufacturers, Google can scale its presence without bearing full hardware costs. Details on pricing, manufacturer partnerships, and specific device categories remain limited. The strategy represents Google's attempt to finally unlock financial returns from smart home investments that have consumed significant resources with limited profit generation.