Google has officially launched its first dedicated smart speaker in six years, with preorders opening today and shipping scheduled for 29 June. The device, priced at $99, arrives slightly behind the originally promised spring launch window. Hardware specifications remain unchanged from the initial announcement nine months ago, retaining the familiar squished round design, touch-capacitive buttons, and a status light ring. The speaker is available in four colours: porcelain, hazel, jade, and berry, though the latter two are restricted to the US market. Crucially, the device is built specifically to run Gemini for Home, marking a significant software shift from previous iterations.
This release matters because it signals Google’s renewed commitment to the physical hardware market after a long hiatus. While the form factor is conservative, the integration of the Gemini model aims to provide more capable voice interactions than the legacy assistants powering older devices. The timing suggests Google is prioritising supply chain readiness over rushing a product to market, potentially avoiding the delays seen with previous hardware launches. By tying the device directly to its latest AI model, Google hopes to differentiate this unit from generic smart speakers and re-engage users who have migrated to competitors like Amazon or Apple.
- Shipping begins on 29 June, missing the initial spring launch target.
- The $99 price point and design are identical to the original announcement.
- The device is exclusively built to run the Gemini for Home software.
Stay ahead of AI. Get the most important stories delivered to your inbox — no spam, no noise.
