🚀 Product launch~ Likely78June 18, 2026

Google Launches Gemini-Powered Smart Home Speaker

Google has launched a new smart home speaker powered by Gemini AI, replacing rigid commands with conversational interactions.

Insta's take

"Google's new speaker is here, packing Gemini AI for real talk, not robot commands. Time to see if AI can finally make smart homes actually smart."

Google has introduced a new $99.99 Google Home Speaker, marking its first standalone smart speaker since 2020. This device leverages Gemini AI to offer conversational interactions, moving beyond the rigid commands of the Google Assistant era. It allows for natural language requests, including multistep commands and mid-sentence corrections, enhancing user experience.

The new speaker features 10 new voices and supports two-way conversations on a range of topics, not limited to smart home tasks. It also includes a "Continued Conversation" feature, allowing follow-up questions without repeated activation phrases. The device maintains a design similar to older versions, with a 3D-knit textile wrapping and rounded 3.4 x 4.2-inch dimensions, available in Jade, Berry, Hazel, and Porcelain colors.

Google will offer Google Home Premium subscription plans for $10 per month or $100 per year for advanced AI features like Gemini Live and Nest camera activity summaries. These premium features will be offered free for six months initially. This launch aims to revitalize the smart speaker market with generative AI and potentially introduce a new revenue stream for Google.

Why Insta thinks this matters

This launch signifies Google's strategic shift to integrate advanced generative AI into its hardware, potentially setting a new standard for smart home interactions. Businesses should note the move towards subscription models for AI features, indicating a trend in monetizing advanced AI capabilities in consumer devices.

Sources

TechCrunch↗Wired↗