Google announced ample new hardware this week during the Made by Google event. However, the unexpected announcement of Gemini Smart Home Speaker left everyone stunned halfway. Android Headlines claims that this speaker is real and is going to be released soon with new color options and features to pair with a Google TV Streamer. Let’s delve into this matter.
What is this Buzz About?
The reports suggest that there are additional pictures of this mystery speaker that probably come in four color options- bright red, light green, black, and white. As found in the keynote video, it features a light around the base- instead of across the top as seen in old versions of Google speakers. The new version may have a fabric finish.
When it comes to features, the primary one is that Gemini smart home speaker may pair with Google TV Streamer to feature spatial TV audio, a feature taken from Apple’s HomePods. This can connect the speakers to Apple TV hardware. It may also connect to TVs that run the Google TV OS. Reportedly, the speakers may include new natural voice options, which refer to the ability to find unusual sounds like glass breaking or a fire alarm.
Gemini is also expected to deliver the smarts, instead of Google Assistant, which is obvious. The tech giant has announced the Gemini smart home speaker that will appear on existing Nest smart speakers and displays from October 2025. It will feature a paid tier and support for Gemini Live. Though it is unclear which features will be reserved for the paid subscription.
Android Headlines refers to new hardware as ‘Home Speaker’, though it is unclear whether it is its full or final name. The date of release is also uncertain, though a launch along with Gemini for Home can be expected this fall. It is also expected to see an upgraded smart display beforehand, as Google has not updated its Nest Hub line since 2021.
Gemini for Home
Gemini for Home is expected to replace Google Assistant in Google’s line of smart displays and speakers. It has facilitated capabilities for its smart home devices. The announcement suggests that Gemini for Home will leverage AI models designed for home tasks and partner with any member of the household, including guests. It will function with the same ‘hey Google’ phrase, but Gemini for Home may better interpret the context with the ability to respond to more complex user queries.
Nest smart displays, speakers, thermostats, and smart lights can join the Gemini for Home. For instance, you can ask Gemini for Home to dim the lights and set the thermostat to 72 degrees through a voice command. According to Google reports, commands like ‘turn off the lights but not my bedroom’ will definitely work.
As Gemini for Home will leverage the strength of large language models, Nest Hub smart speaker can be informed about the ingredients you have in your refrigerator and then ask for the recipes that could be feasible. Gemini for Home integrates Google Search, which can allow users to find and use updated data. It could also generate bespoke content, like bedtime stories.
Although it is unclear which devices will support Gemini for Home, the present line of Nest devices may support it.
Google’s focus on AI is extending to the generative technologies across devices and services. Gemini is integrated in almost everything from Google Search, Pixel smartphones, home devices, to Gmail. Compared to OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, Google can expand its AI tech across a wide product lineup. The initial investments of Google in AI help position the tech giant ahead of Apple Inc., which is struggling to integrate AI in its products and services. The launch of Apple Intelligence on iPhones, partnering with OpenAI, has been slow when compared to Google and other smartphone manufacturers. This AI obsession of Google seems to be functioning, and Google reports a surge of 14% in sales in the past quarter.
How Much Will the Gemini Smart Home Speaker Cost?
Considering existing range of smart speakers of Google, Google Nest Mini may come at $49. At the same time, larger Nest Audio with better sound will cost $99.99. However, the concern is how much the speaker will cost in retail? Though it is not certain and there is no leak regarding this, all we can do is guess.
If the Google speaker is a Matter hub and it functions as a Threat border router, that may put it in the same league as the equipped Amazon Echo and HomePod mini, both may cost $99.99. However, this is a guess for the Gemini Smart Home speaker.
When Will It Launch?
Similar to pricing, there is no news or trustworthy rumours about the launch of new Google speaker. However, we can only make guesses right now. With no clue, Google has announced its latest smart devices that will roll out this fall. So we can expect the new Google speaker to roll out shortly before Halloween.
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