Google’s smart speakers have been in a rather awkward spot for a while. Not because they sounded bad. Far from it. They just felt like they were waiting for something. That something is Gemini. Gemini, if I may chip in, is probably Google’s most important creation since Search.
First previewed last year when Google revealed its Gemini-powered Home ambitions, the new Google Home Speaker is finally here after months of waiting. And if there was ever a time for Google to answer the question of what a smart speaker should be in 2026, this is it.
The old “Hey Google, set a timer” routine still works, but now the speaker is supposed to understand more natural conversations, follow-up questions, and requests that do not require you to speak like you are issuing commands to a starship computer.
The new Home Speaker also promises to sound better. Google says it delivers 360-degree audio with a driver twice the size of the one in the Nest Mini and bass that goes 2.5 times deeper. It can pair with another Home Speaker for stereo sound, or with a Google TV Streamer to moonlight as a home theater speaker.
Visually, the new speaker gets a softer, rounded design and an underglow light ring that illuminates the surface beneath it. Available in Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Berry, it is certainly more colorful than a lot of gadgets trying to blend into the living room.
The Google Home Speaker is priced at US$99.99. New owners also get six months of Google Home Premium, because apparently even smart speakers have subscription plans now. Eager tech heads can secure a unit by pre-ordering as we speak.
Images: Google.