Google has launched its new Home Speaker powered by the Gemini AI assistant, marking its first smart speaker release in six years. Announced in June 2026, the device will be available for preorder on June 17, with sales beginning June 25.
What Happened
Google officially announced the Google Home Speaker, revamped to feature Gemini—its next-generation AI assistant—on June 17, 2026. The device will cost $100, offer new color options, and replace the previous Google Assistant-powered smart speakers. Preorders began June 17 with retail availability set for June 25.
Key Facts
- Official product name: Google Home Speaker
- Launch date: Preorders from June 17, sales start June 25, 2026
- Price: $100
- Available colors: Berry, Jade, Hazel, Porcelain (Berry and Jade exclusive to the US)
- AI assistant upgrade: Replaces Google Assistant with Gemini chatbot
- Features: Continued Conversation across all supported languages, local sound isolation models, glowing LED ring indicator
- Connectivity: Supports Thread, Matter standards, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4
- Hardware: Capacitive touch controls, three far-field microphones, hardware mute switch
- Audio: 360-degree balanced sound, driver twice as large as Nest Mini, improved bass
- Compatibility and extras: 6 months free Google Home Premium subscription with access to advanced features including Gemini Live
- Company official: Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Nest and Google Home
- Gemini AI adoption: Over 3.5 million homes using Gemini AI across 20 countries and more than 10 languages since early access in late 2025
Why It Matters
The Google Home Speaker represents a significant upgrade in Google’s smart speaker lineup, designed to enhance user interactions with more natural conversations powered by Gemini. The improved conversational AI enables users to issue complex commands and follow-up questions without repeating wake phrases, improving accessibility and ease of use. Its integration with smart home devices and security cameras underlines Google’s strategy to deepen its control over connected home technology.
Background
Google last released a dedicated smart speaker six years prior, during the global pandemic period. The previous devices used Google Assistant, which had limitations in natural conversation understanding. Google began rolling out the Gemini AI in Google Home products in late 2025, signaling a transition towards more advanced AI-driven voice interactions.
Analysis
Anish Kattukaran highlighted the local AI models in the device that improve ambient noise filtering, enhancing voice recognition. He also remarked on Google’s rapid update cycle, having delivered over 2,500 bug fixes and new features for Gemini since its early access debut, leading to doubled user engagement compared to the original Assistant. The improved design and smarter AI capabilities are intended to reinvigorate Google’s position in the competitive smart speaker market now heating up with Apple’s and Amazon’s ongoing developments.
Who Is Affected
The new Google Home Speaker targets smart home users worldwide, particularly in the United States where certain colors are exclusive. Owners of Google smart home products will benefit from integrated device controls and advanced AI features, especially subscribers to Google Home Premium. The broader smart speaker market is also impacted as Google enhances competition with Amazon and Apple.
What Remains Unclear
- Details on the effectiveness and user reception of the advanced Gemini Live back-and-forth conversation mode for non-premium users
- When the Google Home Speaker will support surround sound integration with TVs other than Google TV Streamer
- Long-term impact on Google’s smart speaker market share following the device’s release
What Comes Next
- Google Home Speaker preorders began June 17, 2026
- Official sales and full availability start June 25, 2026
- Subscription-based Google Home Premium offers six months free with purchase, unlocking Gemini Live and other features
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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