Alphabet’s Google announced its new Google Home Speaker will retail for $99.99. Pre-orders for the device begin June 17. Official sales are scheduled to start June 25. This launch represents the company’s first new smart speaker release in six years.
The speaker is the first hardware purpose-built to integrate the Gemini for Home voice assistant. It features a spherical design providing 360-degree audio. The device will be available in four different colors. This technology enables conversational interactions and processes complex, multi-part commands.
The launch positions Google to compete directly against Amazon’s Echo and Apple’s HomePod. Advanced AI features like Gemini Live require a Google Home Premium subscription costing $10 per month. New hardware purchases include a free six-month trial of the premium service.