Google Launches $100 Google Home Speaker with Deep Gemini AI Integration

Google has launched its first new smart speaker in six years, the $100 Google Home Speaker, shipping June 25. The device is built around the Gemini AI, replacing Google Assistant to allow for more natural, multi-step commands. While it offers upgraded audio over the Nest Mini, some advanced features like the "Gemini Live" conversational mode require a $10/month Google Home Premium subscription, which comes with a six-month free trial.

Google Home Speaker launch

• ▪The device was originally announced in the fall of the previous year and missed its promised spring 2026 launch window
• ▪Google launched its new Google Home Speaker for $99.99, with preorders starting June 17 and shipping on June 25
• ▪The Google Home Speaker is the company's first new stand-alone smart speaker since the Nest Audio was released in September 2020

Gemini AI capabilities

• ▪The Google Home Speaker is the first audio device from Google built specifically for its Gemini AI, which replaces the older Google Assistant
• ▪A "Continued Conversation" feature allows users to ask follow-up questions without repeating the "Hey, Google" wake word
• ▪Since an early access program began, Google has fixed over 2,500 reported issues and improved smart home command latency by up to 40%
• ▪Gemini AI is designed to understand natural language, handle multi-step requests, and allow users to make corrections mid-sentence

Audio quality specifications

• ▪The speaker provides 360-degree audio and is described as a "massive audio upgrade" over the smaller Nest Mini
• ▪Google does not claim the new speaker's sound quality matches that of the larger, previous-generation Nest Audio
• ▪Two Google Home Speakers can be paired for stereo sound or connected to a Google TV Streamer for spatial surround sound

Hardware design features

• ▪The speaker has a compact, rounded design wrapped in 3D-knit textile, and is smaller than the previous Nest Audio
• ▪The device comes in four colors: Porcelain, Hazel, and the US-exclusive Jade and Berry
• ▪A ring of LED lights at the base of the speaker indicates when it is listening, processing a request, or responding

Smart home integration

• ▪The device supports the Thread 1.3 standard at launch, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
• ▪The Google Home Speaker functions as a Matter controller and a Thread border router to connect other smart home devices

Google Home Premium subscription

• ▪The subscription is needed for Gemini Live, a feature for more natural, back-and-forth conversations
• ▪New purchasers of the Google Home Speaker receive a six-month free trial of the Google Home Premium service
• ▪Premium subscribers also get AI-powered search for Nest camera footage and 30 days of event video history
• ▪Advanced features require a Google Home Premium subscription, which costs $10 per month or $100 per year