Google has launched the Google Home Speaker, its first dedicated smart speaker in six years, to replace the aging Nest Audio range. The device features a circular design with a fabric finish and houses a four-microphone array alongside a dedicated Google Nest Hub mini display. It runs on the new Gemini for Home software, marking a significant shift from the previous Assistant-based system that powered the brand’s audio hardware for so long.
Despite the improved hardware, the integrated AI assistant still feels unfinished and lacks the reliability needed for deep home control. The system frequently fails to understand basic commands or struggles with multi-step requests, which limits its practical use beyond simple queries. This gap between the capable physical device and the immature software suggests Google is prioritising the launch of its new voice model over delivering a fully functional product. Until the underlying intelligence improves, the speaker remains a mixed bag of form and function.
- Pricing starts at £99 for the standard model
- The included display is smaller than the previous Nest Hub
- Setup requires a compatible Google account linked to Gemini
