Walmart’s Onn Smart Speaker: A New Era for Gemini-Powered Devices
In a significant development for smart home technology, Walmart is preparing to launch the Onn Smart Speaker, a device powered by Google’s Gemini voice assistant. This move signals a resurgence of third-party smart speakers integrated with Google’s ecosystem, a trend that had diminished in recent years.
The Evolution of Google Assistant Smart Speakers
Historically, the market for Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers was vibrant, featuring products from various manufacturers, including JBL and others. Devices like the Google Home Mini and Nest Audio became household staples. However, the proliferation of third-party Assistant speakers gradually declined, with notable releases becoming scarce. The 2023 JBL Authentics lineup was among the last significant entries in this category.
Introducing the Onn Smart Speaker
Recent developments indicate a revival of third-party smart speakers. A listing on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website has unveiled Walmart’s upcoming Onn Smart Speaker. This device boasts a minimalist design and integrates Gemini voice controls, offering audio streaming via Bluetooth and Google Cast. Physical controls for volume and playback are present, along with a microphone switch to enhance user privacy.
The CSA listing provides further details:
> A Gemini-powered smart home speaker integrating voice assistant, audio playback, and smart home control functionality. The device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and enables seamless media streaming via Google Cast for Audio. It features a 10W speaker and a far-field microphone array for reliable voice interaction. The product includes physical controls, LED indicators, and a hardware microphone privacy switch for user interaction and privacy protection.
Walmart’s Strategic Expansion in Smart Home Devices
While Walmart has yet to officially announce the Onn Smart Speaker, its emergence aligns with the retailer’s broader strategy to expand its smart home product lineup. This includes recent additions like the Onn 4K Pro Google TV box, which features hands-free voice control through built-in far-field microphones, effectively functioning as a Gemini smart speaker.
The Onn 4K Pro Google TV box, priced at $60, offers features such as 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, Dolby Vision HDR support, and Matter over Thread compatibility, allowing it to serve as a hub for smart home devices. Its inclusion of always-listening microphones underscores Walmart’s commitment to integrating voice assistant capabilities across its product range.
Implications for the Smart Speaker Market
The introduction of the Onn Smart Speaker suggests a renewed interest in third-party smart speakers powered by Google’s voice assistant. This development could lead to increased competition and innovation in the market, offering consumers a wider array of choices beyond Google’s first-party hardware.
Moreover, the integration of Gemini into third-party devices like the Onn Smart Speaker indicates Google’s strategy to expand its voice assistant’s reach, fostering a more diverse ecosystem of compatible devices.
Looking Ahead
As the smart home landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between major retailers like Walmart and technology companies like Google is poised to deliver more integrated and user-friendly devices. The Onn Smart Speaker represents a step in this direction, potentially setting the stage for future innovations in the realm of voice-assisted smart home technology.
