Google has returned to the smart speaker market with a device that puts Gemini AI at the center of the experience. The new Google Home Speaker arrives after a six-year absence from the category, since the launch of Nest Audio in 2020.
The biggest shift is clear from the start: Google Assistant is out, and Gemini is now the default voice layer for the speaker. That change is designed to make conversations feel more natural, with support for multiple commands in a single sentence and follow-up questions without repeating the earlier context.
Users can still wake the device with “Hey Google,” but the company says Gemini is better at understanding natural speech and the context of a request. Google also adds Gemini Live, a more conversational mode that lets people speak to the AI in a manner closer to a human interaction.
Gemini Live and smart home control
Gemini Live is activated with the command “Hey Google, let’s talk,” but access is limited to Google Home Premium subscribers. Beyond conversation, the speaker is also built to manage smart home devices, including security cameras.
That means users can ask the system about camera activity, such as whether a package has been left at the front door or whether a pet’s behavior at home looks unusual. The device is positioned not only as a voice assistant, but also as a control center for connected household devices.
Hardware designed for 360-degree sound
Google Home Speaker uses a rounded design intended to deliver 360-degree audio. Google says the audio quality is improved over Nest Mini, helped by a larger audio driver that produces stronger bass.
The speaker also includes an LED light ring on the bottom that lights up when it is listening or processing a command. For privacy, the device has three far-field microphones, touch controls on the top, and a physical microphone switch.
Connectivity, colors, and availability
The new speaker supports Matter and Thread, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. It is available globally in Berry, Jade, Hazel, and Porcelain.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | US$100 |
| Pre-order start | June 17, 2026 |
| Official sale date | June 25, 2026 |
| Colors | Berry, Jade, Hazel, Porcelain |
According to KompasTekno, the Google Home Speaker is priced at 100 dollar AS, or around Rp 1,7 juta. Google has not yet said whether the smart speaker will be sold in Indonesia.
