Google’s latest smart speaker is the first device built around Gemini, combining conversational AI, smart home controls, and 360-degree audio in a compact package.

Google has officially unveiled its new Google Home Speaker, marking the first audio device designed specifically around its Gemini for Home AI assistant.

Available to order now for $99.99, the speaker represents Google’s latest attempt to redefine what a smart speaker can do. Rather than focusing solely on voice commands and music playback, the new Home Speaker is built around natural conversation, multi-step reasoning, and deeper integration with Google’s growing AI ecosystem.

Built around more natural conversations

One of the headline features is Gemini’s ability to handle multi-step reasoning and conversational context. The biggest difference compared to previous Google Home and Nest speakers is the way users interact with it. Instead of relying on specific commands and trigger phrases, Gemini is designed to understand natural language more effectively and maintain context across conversations.

Google says users can ask more complex questions that require the assistant to connect information from multiple sources. Rather than simply responding to a direct query, Gemini can work through the steps needed to provide an answer.

For example, instead of issuing several separate commands, users can ask the speaker to dim the lights, play music, and start a timer all at once. If they make a mistake while speaking, Gemini can reportedly understand corrections without needing to restart the request.

Image credits: Google

The speaker also supports ongoing conversations without repeatedly saying “Hey Google” between questions. This allows users to naturally continue discussions and expand on previous requests. 

It’s a shift that brings smart speakers closer to the conversational experiences many users have become familiar with through modern AI chatbots.

Google has also introduced 10 new voice options designed to sound more natural and expressive than previous generations of its voice assistant.

What about music and audio?

While Gemini is the headline attraction, Google hasn’t forgotten that this is still a speaker.

The Home Speaker features a 58mm full-range driver and delivers 360-degree audio designed to provide consistent sound throughout a room. Its omnidirectional design means that any sound should remain clear no matter where you are in the room. 

Turning your TV into a home theatre

Google is also positioning the speaker as part of a broader entertainment setup. The Home Speaker can be paired with a Google TV Streamer, with support for up to two speakers working together to create a surround sound experience.

For users already invested in Google’s hardware ecosystem, this offers a great way to improve TV audio without investing in a dedicated home theatre system.

Image credits: Google

Premium AI features go further

Alongside the standard experience, Google is introducing additional Gemini-powered capabilities through Google Home Premium.

These include Gemini Live, which enables more free-flowing conversations with the assistant, allowing users to brainstorm ideas, switch topics naturally, and interrupt responses.

Other features focus on smart home management, including the ability to search camera history from connected Nest devices and receive AI-generated summaries of activity around the home.

While these tools are primarily aimed at smart home users, they demonstrate how AI assistants are evolving beyond simple command-and-response interactions toward more proactive and context-aware experiences.

Design, colours and sustainability

The new Home Speaker is wrapped in custom 3D-knit textile. Google says the device has been designed as a subtle addition to living spaces rather than a piece of technology demanding attention. Colour options include Hazel and Porcelain globally, with Jade and Berry also available in the United States.

Image credits: Google

At just under 400 grams, the speaker is compact enough to fit comfortably on desks, shelves, bedside tables, or studio workspaces.

For privacy, a new underglow light ring also provides visual feedback when the device is listening, processing, or responding. Plus, you can toggle a switch to mute the microphone at any time. 

Price and availability 

The new Google Home speaker is available now for $99.99 in Hazel and Porcelain globally, alongside Jade and Berry in the US.