Google has delayed the launch of its new Home Speaker to 2026. The Mountain View company aims to first perfect the integration of Gemini into existing devices.
Google unveiled a new generation of smart home devices powered by Gemini. The announcement came less than twenty-four hours after Amazon revealed its Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max speakers. Among these new products are upgraded Nest cameras and smart doorbells enhanced by AI, as well as a brand new Google Home speaker. The starting price in the United States is nearly a hundred dollars… but the real cost is measured in patience.
The Google Home Speaker, a highly anticipated launch for 2026
The Google Home Speaker was previewed at the “Made by Google” event last August. This new smart speaker will not hit households until between March and May 2026. Its announced price is 99 dollars in the United States, pending confirmation of pricing for Europe and Australia.
So why such a wait? It’s not due to the hardware. In fact, Google is focusing its efforts on a complete redesign of the Google Home app, its infrastructure, and its features.
The Mountain View company wants to ensure that Gemini integrates seamlessly with the millions of devices already installed before paving the way for the new generation.
The new speaker will not be the sole holder of the intelligent assistant. The Google Home from 2016 and the Nest Hub from 2018 will also gain some features. However, the full experience of Gemini Live will remain exclusive to the upcoming speaker.
A More Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
The new Google Home Speaker appears more compact than its predecessors. Its size is reminiscent of an Echo Dot or HomePod Mini, roughly equivalent to two stacked Google Home Minis. The fabric cover is available in four colors: Porcelain, Hazelnut, Jade, and Berry.
The light ring is now located at the base. It lights up blue when Gemini is speaking and red when the microphone is turned off. The touch controls for playback and volume blend discreetly into the top surface.
Inside, a reconfigured setup delivers 360-degree omnidirectional sound. During Google’s demonstrations, the volume was powerful and clear, even amidst the hustle and bustle of a conference room.
This speaker can be paired with other speakers, connected in stereo, or linked to a Google TV Streamer. And, of course, the game-changing element remains Gemini for Home.
