Google unveils its first Gemini-powered home speaker
Google announced the Google Home Speaker on Wednesday night, presenting it as the company’s first AI home speaker built around Gemini rather than its older virtual assistant. The device is already available for pre-order at $99.99, with full retail availability expected later this month in markets around the world.
The main change is conversational control. Google says Gemini lets users speak naturally instead of issuing rigid commands, correct themselves mid-sentence, and stack multiple requests at once. The speaker can keep short-term context during a conversation, answer multi-step questions, and, for Premium subscribers, support Gemini Live for open-ended chats that can be interrupted and redirected at any time.
On the hardware side, Google says the speaker uses a 58-millimeter driver with 360-degree sound and bass that is 2.5 times stronger than earlier models. It comes wrapped in recycled fabric with a 3D-knit finish, in four colors, and includes a lower light ring that indicates listening and processing status. A physical switch can fully mute the microphones for privacy.
The device also works as an advanced smart-home hub with Thread and Wi-Fi 6 support. Two speakers can be paired with Google TV Streamer to create a home theater setup with spatial audio. Google says the speaker can also review Nest camera history to help users check what happened at home while they were away, including whether a back gate was left open or whether a dog jumped onto the sofa.
