Google Home Dubs User 'Fish Lemon'
Gemini for Home feature gives user unwanted nickname after conversation about cooking fish, and it won't go away
A Google Home user has found themselves stuck with the nickname 'Fish Lemon' after a conversation about cooking fish with Gemini for Home, a feature of the smart speaker. The nickname has persisted despite attempts to change it, with the user's smart display and reminders now bearing the unwanted moniker.
The user, who posted about their experience on the r/googlehome subreddit, explained that the nickname appeared after they asked a cooking question involving fish. Gemini for Home responded by saying it would call them 'Fish Lemon' from then on, and the name has stuck. The user has tried to change the nickname by telling Gemini their real name or asking it to use a different name, but the change only lasts temporarily.
The nickname 'Fish Lemon' now appears in reminders and on the user's smart display, causing confusion and frustration. The user's Google Account, however, still shows their actual name, leaving them puzzled about where Gemini has stored the new nickname. This is not the first time Gemini for Home has gotten creative with names, as it has previously invented names such as Michael, Sarah, and Kevin for people around users' homes.
## What's behind the nickname Gemini for Home's ability to retain personal context through its Saved Info feature may be responsible for the persistence of the 'Fish Lemon' nickname. The feature allows Gemini to carry preferences and other details across conversations, which could be how the nickname has become stuck. However, it's unclear which specific feature or mechanism is causing the issue.
## Why it matters The incident highlights the potential for smart speakers and virtual assistants to misinterpret or misremember user interactions, leading to unexpected and sometimes frustrating consequences. As virtual assistants become more integrated into daily life, it's essential to understand how they process and retain information to avoid similar issues in the future. For now, the user is left to wonder how to shake off the unwanted nickname 'Fish Lemon' and restore their actual name to their Google Home experience.
