Google just unveiled the first smart speaker designed from the ground up for Gemini. The new Google Home Speaker costs $99.99, is available for pre-order now, and hits shelves on June 25.
What Gemini changes here
The difference from the old Google Assistant is fundamental. Instead of predefined commands, Gemini understands natural language — including multi-step requests. “Turn off all the lights except my bedside lamp, play some relaxing music, and set a timer for 20 minutes.” One sentence, three actions.
Gemini comes with ten new natural-sounding voices. Through ‘Continued Conversation,’ the microphone stays active briefly so you can ask follow-up questions without saying “Hey, Google” every time.
Premium for power users
For $10 a month (or $100 a year), Google Home Premium unlocks advanced AI features. That includes free-flowing conversations via Gemini Live and the ability to search camera footage using natural language.
Why this matters
Smart speakers have been dumb speakers with a few tricks. If Gemini delivers on Google’s promises, that changes fundamentally. The ability to understand multi-step requests and respond across contexts is exactly what makes AI assistants actually useful in daily life.
At the same time, Google is showing where things are headed: Gemini isn’t meant to live only in browsers or on phones — it’s going everywhere in your home. The speaker is just the beginning, with Nest cameras, thermostats, and more devices to follow.
At $100, the barrier to entry is low. The question is whether Gemini actually works as smoothly in daily life as it does in the demo — or whether we’re back to “Sorry, I didn’t understand that.”
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