Google's new Home Speaker looks very familiar – as the AI fight knocks at Amazon's and Apple's doors
Google returns to its Home branding – but it's all about Gemini
Google's hardware division has been making speakers for years – almost a full decade, in fact, with the brand's first Home speaker arriving back in 2016. Today marks an almost full-circle moment, with the reveal of the all-new Google Home Speaker.
In between, I probably don't have to tell you, things got more than a bit confusing. In addition to small (Mini) and large (Max) alternatives, we eventually got the screen-toting Hub. Then branding changed to Nest – sure, why not!? – which, late last year, Google officially left to its camera products. A sensible move, I'm sure you'll agree.
I can't help but blurt it out, though. This all-new Google Home Speaker immediately looks all sorts of familiar, doesn't it? It embodies some of 2017's Google Home Mini energy, sure, but let's not pretend there's not a hint of Amazon Echo Dot and Apple HomePod Mini about it.
AI has found its form
It's as if the de facto form for 'this is an AI speaker'. It's got to have 360-degree sound so you can hear it (and it you). It needs a snazzy light bar to visually bring conversations to life. And, of course, it's got to have all those default artificial intelligence features.
I don't say this as a bad thing, mind. The Google Home Speaker actually makes a lot of sense if you're a Gemini user – because it's an easy-to-approach voice-controlled hub you can put pretty much anywhere. Just as a HomePod Mini makes sense for Siri users and an Echo Dot for Alexa users.
There's always a staple to any successful product line. A vacuum cleaner doesn't deviate too far from its functional form – often it's what's within that sets it apart from one or other competitor. Which is what Google is banking on with the Home Speaker – this is a full-time invitation for Gemini to live in your home.
Gemini is front and centre
So just what can the Google Home Speaker do? In addition to delivering "amazing audio in any direction," a Google spokesperson told me in a pre-briefing about the product, but it's designed as a "fundamental transition to voice assistance – it's a celebration of Gemini's new abilities."
That's where Gemini for Home comes in, which is the latest and most advanced version of Google's artificial intelligence (AI) system, called Gemini. This has advanced natural language understanding, improved context, with the goal of freer-flowing conversational queries.
I had expected a new 'Gemini Home' speaker to appear in 2025, so the Google Home Speaker seems a little later to arrive than expected. But there's clearly been a lot going on behind the scenes, as the product won't launch in the US first, instead arriving to 20 countries and supporting 10 languages from the off.
In addition to queries, those with a Google Home Premium subscription (already as part of Google AI Pro or Ultra package, if you have it) can take advantage of a fuller Google ecosystem – including tie-ins with Nest camera products.
Nest briefings
A new feature called Home Briefs will permit you to ask Gemini what's happened at home in your absence, calling upon your Nest products to provide a spoken summary. If anything triggers the need for action, you can ask to add an action to your to-do list, for example.
You can pair up to six in a group, even connect to Google TV streamer for enhanced TV audio, showing the Home Speaker's versatility – and the want for multiple products to be in all aspects of your home, always ready to respond to your beck and call.
The Google Home Speaker is available for pre-order now, with an on-sale date of 25 June. It's available in Hazel or Porcelain finishes, reflecting the look of Google's Pixel phone classics, I feel, each priced at £99 / $99.
