Google brings Gemini AI to its latest $99.99 smart speaker

On Wednesday, Google introduced the Google Home Speaker, a $99.99 voice-controlled audio device powered by Gemini, Google’s AI model. The launch marks the company’s first standalone smart speaker since the Nest Audio was released in September 2020. Google is betting that its Gemini AI can reinvent its smart speaker, moving past older devices that functioned primarily as basic controllers for music and smart home systems.

The new speaker features a 3.4 x 4.2-inch design wrapped in a 3D-knit textile, a material used for the speaker exterior. In the U.S., the device is available in Jade and Berry colors, while the rest of the world will have access to Hazel and Porcelain options. The hardware includes a ring light at the bottom to show when the speaker is listening, thinking, or responding.

The Google Home Speaker relies on natural language processing to handle complex, multi-step requests and mid-sentence corrections. For example, a user can ask the device to dim the kitchen lights, play music, and set a timer simultaneously. If a user makes a mistake, they can correct themselves mid-sentence—such as when an unnamed user says, “Turn off the coffee maker … I mean, turn it on!”—and the AI will respond correctly. The device will ship with 10 new voices capable of two-way conversations on a wide range of topics. It also supports Continued Conversation, a feature allowing follow-up questions without repeating the wake word.

While many Gemini features are free, Google is introducing a new subscription service called Google Home Premium to unlock more advanced AI features. The subscription pricing is structured as follows:

• $10 per month
• $100 per year

This premium tier is required for features like Gemini Live, which allows users to initiate two-way conversations by asking the speaker to chat. The subscription also enables users to analyze activity from Nest home cameras or receive summaries of what occurred in the home while they were away. Google will offer these advanced features for free for six months before pushing users to subscribe. Whether the new capabilities are compelling enough to justify a subscription remains to be seen. The device is available for preorder now and will ship later this month.

Why it matters

Google is attempting to reinvigorate its smart speaker lineup with generative AI and create a new subscription revenue stream for advanced features.