Google has unveiled its latest smart home device, the Google Home Speaker, priced at $99.99. This marks the company’s first standalone smart speaker since the Nest Audio release in September 2020. The new speaker is designed to leverage Google’s advanced AI assistant, Gemini, offering users a more natural and intuitive interaction experience.
Unlike previous models that required specific command phrasing, the Google Home Speaker allows users to issue complex, multi-step requests in natural language. For example, users can say, “Turn off all the lights except for my bedside lamp,” or “Dim the kitchen lights, play some relaxing music, and set a timer for 20 minutes.” Additionally, the device can handle mid-sentence corrections, understanding commands like, “Turn off the coffee maker… I mean, turn it on!”
The speaker introduces 10 new voices capable of engaging in two-way conversations on a variety of topics beyond standard smart home tasks. With the “Continued Conversation” feature, the microphone remains active briefly after a command, allowing users to ask follow-up questions without repeating the wake phrase “OK, Google.”
In terms of design, the Google Home Speaker maintains a familiar aesthetic with a 3D-knit textile covering and a rounded form factor measuring 3.4 x 4.2 inches. In the U.S., it is available in Jade and Berry colors, while Hazel and Porcelain options are offered in other regions. A new ring light at the base indicates the device’s status—whether it’s listening, processing, or responding.
To access enhanced AI capabilities, Google offers a Home Premium subscription at $10 per month or $100 annually. This subscription unlocks features like Gemini Live, enabling more dynamic conversations initiated with the command, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” Subscribers can also receive summaries of activity captured by Nest cameras and overviews of household events during their absence. To encourage adoption, Google provides a six-month free trial of these premium features with the purchase of the speaker.
The Google Home Speaker is currently available for pre-order and is set to ship later this month.
By integrating advanced AI into its smart home devices, Google aims to redefine user interaction within the home environment. The introduction of a subscription model for premium features reflects a broader industry trend toward monetizing AI advancements. It remains to be seen how consumers will respond to this approach and whether the enhanced capabilities justify the additional cost.
