Google has launched the Google Home Speaker, its first brand-new smart speaker in six years. Priced at $100, the device drops the older Google Assistant model and is built around Gemini from the ground up. Preorders are now open, and the speaker is scheduled to go on sale on June 25.
Smaller body, larger driver, updated home connectivity
The new speaker uses a rounded orb-like design, drawing comparisons to Amazon's newer Echo lineup and Apple's HomePod Mini. Google says it delivers balanced 360-degree sound. Even though the device is smaller than the previous Nest Audio, its internal driver size has doubled, with stronger bass positioned as a key hardware upgrade. It can also pair with Google TV Streamer for a home theater-style setup.
On connectivity, the speaker supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread, and Matter. Google has also emphasized visible feedback and privacy controls. A glowing LED ring at the bottom indicates when Gemini is listening or processing a command, while the top includes three far-field microphones and a physical mute switch for cutting off audio capture. Color options include Porcelain, Hazel, and the U.S.-exclusive Jade and Berry.
Gemini replaces fixed voice commands with more natural dialogue
The wake phrase remains “Hey Google,” but the assistant experience now runs on Gemini. According to the report, users no longer need to stick to rigid commands, and the system can understand corrections or reworded requests mid-sentence. The speaker can also handle multiple instructions at once, such as turning off all lights except one. A local model is used to improve background-noise filtering.
Google is also rolling out Gemini Live, a continuous conversation mode. After saying “Hey Google, let's talk,” users can keep speaking without repeating the wake phrase. The feature supports requests tied to home security cameras, including questions such as whether a package arrived that day, and offers 10 different natural voice options.
Premium features are moving into a subscription layer
Advanced capabilities, including Gemini Live, will be tied to the Google Home Premium subscription. Buyers of the new speaker will receive six months free. The plan also includes more advanced natural-language automations, 30 days of event video history, and smart notifications.
Google says more than 3.5 million households have already enabled the Gemini version of Google Home, and user interactions with the AI are running at twice the level of the older Assistant. Apple is expected to release a new smart speaker with an upgraded Siri later this year, while Amazon's Alexa+ is also expanding globally.