via TechCrunch AI
Google Bets on Gemini to Reinvent the Smart Home Speaker
After years of incremental updates, Google is betting its Gemini AI can reinvent the smart speaker. On Wednesday, the company introduced its first audio device built specifically for Gemini: the $99.99 Google Home Speaker. This marks the first standalone smart speaker from the tech giant since the Nest Audio in September 2020.
Back then, smart speakers were primarily seen as handy controllers for smart homes and music systems. They often required precise phrasing to execute commands, lacking the conversational intelligence of today’s AI chatbots. The new Google Home Speaker changes this entirely. In 2026, with Gemini’s advanced natural language processing, users can speak freely, make multi-step requests, and even correct themselves mid-sentence.
For example, you could say, “Turn off all the lights except for my bedside lamp,” or “Dim the kitchen lights, play some relaxing music, and set a timer for 20 minutes.” If you make a mistake, Gemini understands corrections like, “Turn off the coffee maker… I mean, turn it on!” The device also features 10 new voices that support two-way conversations on a wide range of topics, not just smart home tasks. You can ask nuanced questions and dive deeper into subjects, similar to interacting with Gemini on your smartphone.
To enhance conversational flow, the speaker can keep its microphone briefly active with the “Continued Conversation” feature, allowing natural follow-ups without repeating “OK, Google.” Physically, the Google Home Speaker maintains a familiar design with a 3D-knit textile wrap and a rounded 3.4 x 4.2-inch form factor, blending seamlessly into modern homes.
As smart home technology evolves in 2026, Google aims to set a new standard with Gemini, shifting from rigid voice commands to intuitive, human-like interactions. The Google Home Speaker is priced at $99.99, positioning it as a direct competitor to other AI-powered speakers in the market.