Google has released its first new smart speaker since its original Nest line, replacing the aging hardware with a $100 device called the Google Home Speaker. The new model is built to run on Gemini for Home, Google’s AI assistant, and is designed to work both as a standalone speaker and as a hub for other smart home devices.
The speaker measures 3.4 inches tall with a 4.2-inch diameter and weighs 0.9 pounds including its power cable. It has a 58mm full-range driver with 360-degree sound, three far-field microphones, and supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 and Thread 1.3 for connecting to other smart devices. It comes in four colors: Berry, Porcelain, Hazel and Jade, and runs on a 30W USB-C power adapter.
Setup is handled through the Google Home app. According to a review published by the New York Post’s commerce desk, the process took less than five minutes from start to finish, including selecting the device from a list and customizing voice and privacy settings.
What the AI assistant can do
With Gemini built in, the speaker can set schedules, read out calendar entries, hold extended conversations, and be interrupted mid-response while the assistant is speaking. It can also sync with other connected devices in a household, including Nest doorbells, cameras and compatible smart coffee makers that can be set to brew at a scheduled time.
Some of the more advanced features require a Google Home Premium subscription. With the Advanced plan, users can search camera history or receive a
