Hardware

Google previews its new Gemini AI-powered Google Home speaker

Ken Metral

01 Oct 2025 — 2 min read

Credit: Google/Alphabet, Inc.

Google is giving its smart home lineup a major AI upgrade. On Wednesday, the company previewed its next flagship Google Home speaker, powered by Gemini AI, set to launch in spring 2026 at a price of $99. The device will come in four colors — Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade — and is designed to blend smarter AI interactions with improved audio and sustainability.

Why the Wait?

The new speaker won’t ship until 2026, and that timing is deliberate. According to Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home and Nest, Google wants to first bring Gemini features to existing Google Home devices through an Early Access program. This rollout will let customers test Gemini, provide feedback, and help the company refine the experience before the flagship speaker arrives.

“It’s got to work for the existing users. We don’t want to force you to buy a new one unless you want to,” Kattukaran said. “And by the way, we think you may want to, but you don’t need to.”

Built for Gemini AI

The upcoming speaker is designed with hardware tailored to Gemini’s AI capabilities. A dedicated processor will support real-time features like noise suppression, reverb control, and echo cancellation, reducing confusion when multiple people are speaking in the room.

A light ring beneath the speaker will provide expressive visual cues showing when Gemini is listening, processing, or responding — especially useful for Gemini Live mode, which requires a Google Home Premium subscription.

Audio and Home Integration

Beyond AI smarts, the device focuses on sound quality and flexibility:

360-degree audio for immersive listening.
Speaker groups support, allowing multiple devices to play audio together.
Ability to pair two speakers with Google TV Streamer for a home theater–like surround-sound setup — a long-requested feature.

The speaker’s body is wrapped in 3D-knitted fabric, which reduces waste and supports Google’s sustainability goals.

Availability

The new Google Home speaker will debut in spring 2026 across major global markets, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Bigger Picture

With Gemini deeply integrated, Google is positioning its new Home speaker as more than just an audio device — it’s meant to act as a smarter, more context-aware home assistant. By waiting until 2026, Google is signaling that reliability and a unified user experience across old and new devices matter just as much as flashy hardware.

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