Google releases new Home Speaker with Gemini voice assistant

Google released the Google Home Speaker, its first new smart speaker since 2020, priced at $99.99. The device measures roughly the size of a softball and comes in four colors: jade, berry, porcelain, and hazel. The speaker uses a single driver for 360-degree audio output and supports stereo pairing.

It functions as a Matter controller and Thread border router for compatible smart home devices. The unit can also serve as an audio output for the Google TV Streamer.

Hardware design and performance The device features a mesh fabric exterior with no visible controls and a subtle light ring at the base. Volume and playback controls respond to taps on the top and sides. Review units demonstrated clear audio at high volumes when paired, though bass response remained limited compared to the prior Nest Audio model.

The speaker includes three far-field microphones and a neural processing unit for background noise reduction. It responded to voice commands from across rooms during testing, including while playing music at elevated volumes.

Software capabilities and limitations Gemini for Home, the voice assistant running on the device, supports conversational interactions and smart home control. The software operates on existing Google Home speakers as well as the new model. Testing showed delays and occasional unreliability in responses.

Several features require paid subscriptions, and the assistant does not yet match the consistency of competing voice systems. The speaker lacks a removable power cable, though the wall adapter now uses USB-C. Google stated it is developing Thread 1.4 support for improved compatibility with other manufacturers' border routers.