Google Revives ‘Google Home’ Name with New Smart Speaker
In a strategic move, Google is reintroducing the ‘Google Home’ branding for its new series of smart speakers, moving away from the Nest terminology. The tech giant has unveiled the latest Google Home Speaker, designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with the cutting-edge ‘Gemini For Home’ AI assistant.
Innovative Design and Enhanced Features
This new smart speaker boasts an oval shape that provides 360-degree audio, ensuring that sound is evenly distributed throughout any space. It retains familiar functionalities, including the ability to create group sound systems with other Nest and Home devices for a cohesive multi-room music experience.
Cinematic Audio Experience
One of the standout features is the capability to pair two Google Home Speakers with a Google TV Streamer, delivering an immersive cinematic experience characterized by spatial surround-sound audio. This enhancement responds directly to consumer requests for elevated audio performance.
Sustainable and Privacy-Conscious Design
The speaker comes in an environmentally conscious yarn design, available in colors such as Porcelain, Hazel, Jade, and Berry, utilizing a 3D knitting technique that minimizes fabric waste. Further addressing user privacy concerns, it is equipped with a physical mute switch for its microphone, offering peace of mind when it comes to personal data security.
Intuitive Interaction and Multitasking Capabilities
A light ring at the base of the device provides visual feedback, indicating when the speaker is actively processing information, responding, or operating in Gemini Live mode. Users can engage in dynamic conversations, brainstorm ideas, set calendar reminders, or control media playback in a natural language format.
Launch and Availability
The Google Home Speaker arrives alongside a new assortment of Nest-branded smart home devices. According to Google, this innovative speaker will officially launch in Spring 2026, with a retail price of $99.99. Availability will span across multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and various European and Asian nations.
Subscription Services and Collaborations
To fully leverage Gemini For Home’s advanced functionalities, such as Gemini Live, users will need to subscribe to the new Google Home Premium service. As an incentive, Google offers new customers a six-month free trial of the Standard plan with their Google Home Speaker purchase.
In a noteworthy collaboration, Google is expanding the reach of its AI assistant beyond its own product line by partnering with Walmart. This integration will allow the Gemini For Home assistant to work with the new onn Indoor Camera Wired and onn Video Doorbell Wired, enhancing smart home connectivity.
Leave a Reply