On Wednesday, Google provided an early preview of its next flagship smart home device, the AI-powered Google Home speaker, which is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2026. The device will be priced at ninety-nine dollars and will be built around the company’s AI assistant, Gemini. It will be available in four colors: Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade.
The timing of the launch, which is somewhat delayed, was explained as an intentional choice by Google. Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home and Nest, provided details in a press briefing. The company first aims to ensure the new Gemini functionality is delivered to its existing customers using older devices. This approach allows time to work out any issues. Those current customers will have the opportunity to try out Gemini through an Early Access program, where they can offer feedback and report bugs.
Kattukaran stated that the product must work for existing users and that the company does not want to force anyone to buy a new device unless they choose to. He added that while Google believes customers may want to upgrade, they do not need to.
Being built specifically for Gemini means the new speaker will include a processor capable of running the AI. This processor will also manage background noise suppression, reverb, and echo cancellation. This design should prevent the speaker from becoming confused, for example, if a user is talking to Gemini Live and another person in the room begins speaking at the same time.
The new device will feature a light ring on its base. This ring will provide more expressive visual feedback indicating what Gemini is doing, such as listening, thinking, reasoning, or responding during Gemini Live mode. Access to Gemini Live will require a Google Home Premium subscription.
Regarding its audio capabilities, the Google Home device will offer 360-degree sound. Users will be able to add the speaker to groups within the Google Home app, allowing multiple speakers to play audio simultaneously as before. A new feature will allow users to pair two Google Home speakers with a Google TV Streamer to create a surround-sound style setup, a functionality that has been frequently requested.
The speaker is covered with a 3D-knitted material. This material is designed to reduce fabric waste and is considered more eco-friendly.
Google plans to launch the new device in the spring of 2026 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.