Google Bets on Gemini to Reinvent the Smart Home Speaker
TechCrunch AI14 hours agoHardwareGoogle has unveiled a new $99.99 Google Home Speaker that swaps out the rule-based Google Assistant for Gemini-powered conversational interactions. The product represents a direct bet that generative AI can revive consumer interest in the smart speaker category. Rather than requiring precise voice commands, users can now speak more naturally with the device.
Gemini-Powered Google Home Speaker Arrives June 25 for $100
Ars Technica AI14 hours agoHardwareGoogle has opened preorders for its new $100 Google Home Speaker, set to ship June 25, 2026 — roughly ten months after it was first announced. The device's primary selling point is deep Gemini AI integration rather than premium audio performance. The launch positions Google's smart speaker lineup squarely as an AI assistant platform rather than a high-fidelity audio product.
Google's First Smart Speaker in Six Years Ships June 29
The Verge AI17 hours agoHardwareGoogle's Home Speaker, priced at $99 and announced nine months ago, ships June 29 with preorders opening June 17. The device ends a six-year gap in Google's smart speaker lineup and integrates Gemini AI. Its hardware — a slightly squished round form with touch-capacitive buttons — is unchanged from its original announcement, and the product narrowly missed a promised spring launch window.