Google unveiled its new €99 Home Speaker on July 23, 2026, featuring built-in Gemini AI for conversational interactions.
Google’s latest smart speaker, the €99 Home Speaker, launched on July 23, 2026, marking the company’s first device designed specifically for seamless Gemini AI integration. The speaker allows users to engage in natural, multi-step conversations with Gemini by saying Hey Google, let’s chat,
a feature previously limited to newer Nest devices. Unlike the Nest Audio and Nest Mini, which were removed from Google’s online store, the Home Speaker replaces them as the primary smart speaker in the ecosystem.
Gemini Live Expands to Older Devices
On July 23, 2026, Google expanded Gemini Live support to first-generation devices, including the Google Home Mini (2017) and Nest Hub (2018). This update, part of the What’s new in Google Home
release, introduced 15-minute conversational memory, allowing users to ask follow-up questions without repeating context. For example, after requesting Hey Google, turn on the kitchen lights,
users can later say Hey Google, dim it to 50%
and Gemini will understand the reference.
The update also improved the Google Home app, adding clearer automation guidance, enhanced smart lock security reminders, and bug fixes for camera connectivity. Nest Camera users received reliability improvements, including accurate activity zones and smoother setup processes.
Speaker Design and Subscription Tiers
The new Home Speaker features a single 58mm driver for 360-degree audio, a step down from the dual-driver system in the Nest Audio but an upgrade from the 40mm driver in the Nest Mini. While audiophiles may find the single driver less robust, Google emphasizes vocal clarity and smart home integration. The speaker also supports Matter and Thread protocols, enabling compatibility with third-party devices and extending Wi-Fi coverage to dead zones.
Advanced features like Gemini Live, Camera History Search, and Home Briefs require a Google Home Premium subscription. The Home Speaker includes a six-month trial of the Standard plan, with users needing to pay after the trial ends.
Market Position and Consumer Impact
The €99 price point positions the Home Speaker as a competitive option for existing Google Home users seeking conversational AI without upgrading to newer devices. However, its audio quality may not satisfy those prioritizing high-fidelity sound. The device’s Matter compatibility and Thread support address a key limitation of older Nest speakers, enabling broader smart home integration. Despite its lower audio specs, the Home Speaker’s focus on reliability and local processing—powered by a 1GB memory and quad-core A55 chip—makes it a practical hub for everyday smart home tasks.
For users with older Nest devices, the Gemini Live expansion offers a lifeline, but the paywalled features may deter some. Google’s decision to phase out older models while retaining their Gemini support reflects a strategy to retain legacy users while pushing newer hardware.
The success of the Home Speaker will depend on how well it integrates with existing smart home setups and whether users perceive the Gemini AI features as worth the subscription cost. Google’s focus on conversational memory and local processing suggests a shift toward more intuitive, context-aware interactions. However, the lack of hardware upgrades for older devices—like the original Google Home speaker—leaves some users without access to the latest AI capabilities. As the smart home market evolves, Google’s ability to balance innovation with backward compatibility will be critical.
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