Google Opens Smart-Home Ecosystem to Rival AI Agents

Alphabet's shares gained approximately 1.5% to $347.91 on Thursday after the company opened its smart-home ecosystem to rival AI agents, allowing them to access Google Home.

The move marks a shift in Google's strategy, turning Google Home into a broader distribution platform rather than a Gemini-only playground.

This change gives compatible AI agents the ability to inspect connected devices, track their current status, execute commands, and work with historical household events through the Home MCP server.

The service requires a Google Cloud project and is priced at $20 per month or $200 annually, but has placed limits around higher-risk actions such as unlocking doors.