A compact, spherical Google Home Speaker powered by Gemini AI is slated for a spring 2026 launch, with preorders live at $99.99 USD.
Product Announcement and Launch Timeline
Google announced the Google Home Speaker in October 2025 during its "Gemini for Home" event. The company stated the device would be powered by Gemini AI and would launch in spring 2026.
A product listing on Best Buy Canada briefly indicated a release date of June 25, 2026, for the Canadian market, with a price of $139 CAD. The date was subsequently removed from the listing. Google has not officially commented on this specific release date.
Preorders for the device have begun at a price of $99.99 USD. Multiple sources indicate a launch date of June 25, 2026.
Product Specifications and Features
The Google Home Speaker is a compact, spherical device designed to replace the Nest Audio. It features a fabric covering and a glowing base.
- Dimensions: 3.4 inches tall and 4.2 inches in diameter.
- Weight: Under one pound.
- Colors: Available in Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Berry.
- Audio: A 58mm full-range driver. Google states the speaker offers a "massive audio upgrade" over the Nest Mini, with a driver 2x larger and bass 2.5x stronger.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and Thread networking protocol. The device also acts as a hub for Matter with Google Home.
- Controls: Three touch controls, including a microphone mute button. Volume is controlled by tapping the left side (lower) or right side (raise). The top of the speaker toggles play/pause.
- Visual Feedback: A ring light, located under the speaker, provides visual feedback when the AI is listening or responding.
- Pairing: Two Google Home Speakers can be paired with a Google TV Streamer for stereo sound.
Gemini AI and Subscription Model
The speaker integrates Google's Gemini AI voice assistant. According to Google, the assistant features advanced natural language understanding, can handle multiple requests simultaneously, respond to mid-sentence corrections, and retain context from previous conversations. The device offers 10 new voices.
A subscription to Google Home Premium, starting at $10 per month, is required to access some features, including:
- Gemini Live
- Camera history search
- Home Briefs
Buyers who purchase the speaker by September 30, 2026, will receive six months of Google Home Premium for free.
Unannounced Device (Walmart)
A product listing on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website describes an "Onn Smart Speaker" being developed by Walmart. The listing indicates a device with voice control, audio streaming via Bluetooth or Google Cast, physical controls, and a hardware microphone privacy switch. The speaker features a 10W driver and a far-field microphone array. Walmart has not officially announced this device.
Preliminary Review of Audio and Functionality
Early testing of the Google Home Speaker has yielded the following observations:
- Audio Performance: The speaker produces loud sound for its size. At full volume, music is audible clearly. Compared to the Amazon Echo Dot Max, the Home Speaker delivers cleaner, louder, and sharper audio. Compared to the UE Wonderboom, the Home Speaker emphasizes bass, while the Wonderboom focuses on vocals and high frequencies.
- Wake Word Detection: Microphones consistently detected the wake word "Hey, Google" during testing, with the exception of a whisper test performed from another room.
- Limitations: The speaker cannot be used as a standard Bluetooth speaker. It supports Google Cast for streaming audio from other devices.
- Usability Notes: The touch controls for volume and playback are described as small and non-intuitive. The light ring, located under the speaker, is difficult to see unless the speaker is positioned above eye level.