Google is betting on Gemini to reinvent the smart home speaker

After years of incremental updates, Google is betting that its Gemini AI system can reinvent its smart speaker. The company on Wednesday introduced its first audio device designed specifically for Gemini with a Google Home speaker priced at $99.99.

The new Google Home device is the first standalone smart speaker from the tech giant in Nest Audio in September 2020. This retro device arrived at a time when smart speakers were largely viewed as easy-to-use controllers for your smart home and music streaming systems. They lacked the intelligence of today’s AI chatbots, where commands often had to be worded correctly to get things to work.

The Google Home speaker changes that, as you’ll be able to speak using natural language requests and even make multi-step requests using your desired wording. For example, you could ask the speaker to “Turn off all lights except the bedside lamp” or “Turn off the kitchen lights, play some soothing music, and set the timer for 20 minutes.”

You can also make corrections mid-sentence while speaking instead of having to try requests again, and Gemini will understand that. This means you can say something like “Turn off the coffee maker…I mean, turn it on!” Google indicates that artificial intelligence will respond appropriately.

In addition, the device will come with 10 new voices that can have one-on-one conversations with you about topics that are not limited to smart home tasks or other simple commands. You can ask more nuanced questions and dig deeper into the topics you want to learn about, as you would when talking to a Gemini on your smartphone. The speaker’s microphone can also stay on briefly when using Continuous Chat, so you can ask follow-up questions naturally without having to say “OK, Google” again.

The device itself looks similar to older versions, with its 3D textured casing and 3.4 x 4.2-inch circular design. In the US, the speaker comes in Jade and Berry colors as well as Hazel and Porcelain options available in the rest of the world. A new circular light at the bottom will indicate whether the speaker is listening, thinking or responding.

But not all of the AI ​​features in the new device will be free.

Alternatively, Google will sell Google Home Premium subscription plans for $10 per month (or $100 per year) if you want to take advantage of the more powerful AI features. This includes the ability to have more free-flowing conversations with Gemini Live, which you start by saying “Hey Google, let’s talk.” Home Premium can also help you ask and understand activity captured by Nest cameras in your home, or provide summaries of what happened at home while you were away.

It remains to be seen whether these capabilities are compelling enough to justify another monthly subscription, especially when many of the device’s Gemini features are available without paying.

However, Google will try to get you used to the advanced features by offering them for free for six months before paying for the subscription. If successful, Google will revitalize its smart speaker lineup with generative AI and find a way to get some customers to pay for these technological advances.

The device is available for pre order Now it will be shipping later this month.