Google released the new “Google Home Speaker,” a smart speaker for home use, at the end of June. Priced at ¥16,800 (approximately $104), its defining feature is a design built around the generative AI “Gemini,” replacing the traditional Google Assistant and enabling natural, conversational interactions rather than simple question-and-answer exchanges. This marks the company’s first new mainstream smart speaker launch in six years.
This product is a device aimed at fostering a more natural coexistence with AI. Rather than starting the day with a command like “What’s the weather today?”, it envisions communication beginning with a greeting like “Good morning.” It elevates the convenience of voice control to the next level, proposing an experience where AI seamlessly integrates into living rooms and bedrooms.
With the adoption of Gemini, the device houses two voice functions with distinct characteristics. One is “Gemini for Home,” optimized for smart home use. The other is “Gemini Live,” a real-time conversation feature offered as part of that ecosystem.
Gemini for Home represents a more flexible evolution of traditional smart speaker functions, such as lighting control and Google service integration. It can handle ambiguous instructions like “Make the room lights a little brighter,” and supports continuous dialogue, such as following up with “Make them orange.” However, changing colors requires full-color RGB-capable bulbs like Philips Hue, and even with compatible bulbs, it has limitations, such as not accepting commands to adjust between warm and cool tones.
On the other hand, Gemini Live is activated by saying “OK Google, let’s talk,” and can be used for brainstorming or casual conversation with the AI. Users can interject during a conversation to correct the topic. However, at present, it cannot control smart home devices like lighting or integrate with other services such as saving notes to Google Keep. Unlike the smartphone version of Gemini Live, conversation logs are not saved to a chat history, making information difficult to reuse on this screenless device. Consequently, practical use cases are realistically limited to activities like idea generation through “bouncing ideas off a wall” or deep-diving into news topics.
In terms of acoustics, the speaker delivers 360-degree sound. While a single unit provides dynamic audio quality, setting up two units as a stereo pair significantly enhances soundstage and immersion. Furthermore, when combined with a Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV, it supports spatial audio. This allows for a three-dimensional sound image, and when paired with a large-screen TV, it can create a simple home theater environment. However, when using the stereo pair as a standard Bluetooth speaker, significant audio latency makes it unsuitable for video watching or gaming.
The unit’s physical size has been significantly reduced from the first-generation “Google Home,” while its control method follows the “Google Home Mini.” Tapping the top panel adjusts volume and controls playback, while a switch near the base toggles the microphone on and off. An LED indicating operational status is embedded around the entire circumference of the base.
The ¥16,800 price point is accessible considering the latest AI features and audio improvements. The flexible voice commands offered by Gemini for Home alone provide a tangible improvement in usability over previous models, resulting in a product that delivers ample overall satisfaction. However, the true value of Gemini Live will likely only be realized once future updates enable smart home device control and integration with Google services.
Google’s smart speaker lineup began with the first-generation “Google Home” in 2016. Subsequent derivative models like the “Home Max,” “Home Mini,” and “Nest Audio” were released, but this marks the first new mainstream product in a considerable time. The evolution of voice control powered by Gemini represents a full-fledged implementation, into a standalone speaker device, of technology previously introduced in the “Google Nest Hub” series of smart displays.