3 min learnUp to date: Jun 18, 2026 12:16 PM IST
Google is betting that generative AI can breathe new life into the good speaker market. On June 17, the corporate unveiled the Google House Speaker, its first standalone good speaker in almost six years and the primary audio gadget constructed particularly round its Gemini AI platform.
Priced at $99.99 (Rs 9421 roughly), the brand new speaker marks Google’s greatest rethink of the good house assistant for the reason that launch of the Nest Audio in 2020. Fairly than focusing solely on voice instructions, music playback and good house controls, the corporate is positioning the gadget as a conversational AI assistant able to understanding pure language and dealing with extra advanced requests.
The launch displays Google’s broader technique of embedding Gemini throughout its merchandise, from smartphones and search to house gadgets, as competitors intensifies within the AI assistant area.
In contrast to older good audio system that usually required customers to memorise particular instructions, the Google House Speaker permits extra pure interactions. Customers can problem multi-step requests resembling turning off particular lights whereas leaving others on, dimming lights, beginning music and setting timers in a single sentence.
Gemini may perceive corrections made mid-conversation. For instance, a consumer can start by saying, “Flip off the espresso maker,” and instantly appropriate themselves by saying, “I imply, flip it on,” while not having to restart the request.
The gadget additionally helps follow-up conversations by a “Continued Dialog” mode that retains the microphone lively briefly after a response, permitting customers to ask further questions with out repeating the “Hey Google” wake phrase.
Google is additional increasing the assistant’s persona with 10 new AI-generated voices designed to make interactions really feel extra conversational. Past good house controls, customers can ask Gemini questions on a variety of matters and interact in deeper discussions just like these obtainable by the Gemini cell app.
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Whereas the speaker’s design stays acquainted, that includes a rounded form wrapped in 3D-knit material, Google has added delicate adjustments. A brand new ring mild on the backside signifies whether or not the gadget is listening, processing a request or responding. The speaker might be obtainable globally in Hazel and Porcelain colors, whereas U.S. consumers may even have Jade and Berry choices.
Nonetheless, not all Gemini options might be included at no further value. Google is introducing a brand new Google House Premium subscription priced at $10(Rs 943 roughly) per thirty days or $100( Rs 9431 roughly) yearly. The paid tier unlocks extra superior AI capabilities, together with Gemini Dwell conversations that enable prolonged back-and-forth discussions.
Premium subscribers may even be capable to use Gemini to analyse footage captured by Nest cameras, generate summaries of exercise across the house and supply extra detailed insights whereas customers are away.
To encourage adoption, Google will supply six months of House Premium free with the gadget earlier than transitioning customers to a paid subscription.
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With the Google House Speaker, Google hopes Gemini can remodel good audio system from easy voice-controlled devices into on a regular basis AI companions.