Google’s New Home Speaker Brings Gemini AI to the Smart Home

Google announced that its new Google Home Speaker is available for pre-order, with the $99.99 Gemini-powered audio device scheduled to reach shelves on June 25.

The speaker is Google’s first audio product built for Gemini and is designed around Gemini for Home, the company’s voice assistant for connected-home tasks. Google first previewed the broader Gemini-focused Home device portfolio last fall.

The new speaker is intended to make voice interactions feel less dependent on fixed commands. Google said Gemini for Home can understand more natural phrasing, process multi-step requests, and follow corrections made during a command.

Users can ask the assistant to handle several actions at once, such as adjusting lights, playing music, and setting a timer in a single request. Google said Gemini can also process more complex questions by reasoning across multiple pieces of information, such as identifying when and where a sports game is happening before providing the weather forecast for that event.

The assistant also supports two-way conversations through short-term conversational context. With Continued Conversation, users can ask follow-up questions without repeating “Ok Google” after every response. Google said Continued Conversation is now available in all supported languages for the first time.

The Google Home Speaker also works with Google Home Premium features. Those include Gemini Live for free-flowing conversations, Camera History Search for asking about recent or current Nest camera activity, and Home Briefs for summaries of what happened at home while a user was away.

Google is also positioning the device as a home audio product. The speaker offers 360-degree sound and uses advanced microphone processing to better understand voice requests in different environments. It can also pair with a Google TV Streamer, allowing users to connect up to two speakers for spatial surround sound.

The device comes in Hazel and Porcelain, with Jade and Berry available as U.S.-exclusive color options. It is wrapped in custom 3D-knit textile and includes a light ring underglow that indicates when the speaker is listening, thinking, or responding.

Google also included a physical microphone mute switch for privacy.

The company described the speaker as a tool for everyday tasks, including planning outings, getting help with recipes and shopping lists, and finding entertainment recommendations. Google said the product is available for pre-order today.

This analysis is based on reporting from Google.

Images courtesy of Google.

This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.