Google has announced its new Google Home Speaker, the first audio device in its lineup built specifically around the Gemini voice assistant. Priced at $99.99, the speaker is available for pre-order now and hits store shelves on June 25.
The launch is part of a broader push Google signaled last fall, when the company previewed a new generation of home devices designed to run Gemini rather than the older Google Assistant. The shift matters because voice assistants have long frustrated users with rigid, command-based interactions. Gemini is built to understand natural speech, which is a meaningful step forward for smart home technology.
At $99.99, the speaker sits in a competitive price range against Amazon’s Echo lineup and Apple’s HomePod mini. But Google is betting that Gemini’s conversational abilities will set it apart from the crowd.
A smarter way to talk to your speaker
The biggest change with this speaker is how it handles conversation. Instead of memorizing exact phrases, you can speak naturally and Gemini figures out what you mean. It also supports multi-step commands and corrections on the fly.
Some practical examples of what that looks like:
- “Turn off all the lights except for my bedside lamp” – logic-based requests work without needing precise phrasing
- “Dim the kitchen lights, play some relaxing music and set a timer for 20 minutes” – multiple commands in a single sentence
- “Turn off the coffee maker… I meant turn it on!” – mid-sentence corrections are understood automatically
- “What’s the weather going to be like for the next baseball game?” – Gemini figures out the game date, location, and forecast without you specifying each detail
The speaker also keeps conversations going through what Google calls Continued Conversation. After Gemini responds, the microphone stays open briefly so you can ask a follow-up without repeating “Ok Google.” This feature is now available in all supported languages for the first time.
Premium AI features behind a subscription
Some of the more advanced capabilities require a Google Home Premium subscription. These include:
- Gemini Live: Free-flowing chat mode where you can brainstorm, change topics mid-conversation, or interrupt Gemini without it losing track
- Camera History Search: Ask the speaker about what your Nest cameras have captured, including activity, familiar faces, and pets (“Hey Google, did Rover go on the couch today?”)
- Home Briefs: Request a summary of what happened around your home while you were away
Tying premium features to a subscription is a common move across the smart home industry right now. Amazon does it with Alexa+, and Apple bundles advanced features into Apple One. Google is following the same playbook.
Audio quality and design
On the hardware side, Google says the speaker produces balanced 360-degree sound, meaning audio carries evenly whether you’re next to it or across the room. It also pairs with the Google TV Streamer, and you can connect up to two speakers to create spatial surround sound in your living room.
The speaker has a 3D-knit textile exterior and comes in four colors: Hazel, Porcelain, and two US-exclusive options, Jade and Berry. A light ring at the base glows softly to show when Gemini is listening, thinking, or responding. There’s also a physical microphone toggle switch for anyone who wants a quick, tangible way to mute it.
Practical uses Google highlights
Beyond smart home controls, Google is positioning the speaker as a general-purpose household assistant. A few use cases the company points to:
- Planning outings by checking your calendar for free time, brainstorming ideas, and checking the weather
- Help in the kitchen, like generating lunch ideas and adding ingredients directly to a shopping list
- Entertainment recommendations based on detailed preferences, such as asking for science podcasts with 30-minute episodes suited for after work
The Google Home Speaker is available for pre-order now at $99.99, with physical availability starting June 25.
