Google officially unveiled its next-generation flagship smart home device on Wednesday: a new AI-powered Google Home speaker scheduled for a global release in spring 2026. Priced at $99, the device is engineered to serve as a hardware hub for the company’s Gemini AI assistant and will be available in four distinct colorways: Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade.
Strategic Launch and Gemini Integration
Anish Kattukaran, chief product officer at Google Home and Nest, confirmed that the 2026 launch window is a deliberate choice. The company is prioritizing the rollout of Gemini functionality to existing smart home hardware first. This approach allows current users to test Early Access features, report bugs, and refine the AI experience before the new hardware hits the market.
“It’s got to work for the existing users,” Kattukaran stated. “We don’t want to force you to buy a new one unless you want to. And by the way, we think you may want to, but you don’t need to.”
Advanced Hardware and AI Processing
The new speaker features a dedicated processor specifically built to handle Gemini AI workloads locally. This hardware upgrade is designed to improve essential audio tasks, including background noise suppression, echo cancellation, and reverb management. These improvements ensure the device can accurately distinguish between voice commands and ambient noise, even when multiple people are speaking in the same room.
Visual feedback is also a core component of the design. The device features an integrated light ring at the base that provides real-time status indicators, signaling when the speaker is listening, thinking, reasoning, or actively responding in Gemini Live mode. Note that full access to Gemini Live features will require a Google Home Premium subscription.
Audio Performance and Surround Sound
Beyond its AI capabilities, the new Google Home offers 360-degree audio output. Users can continue to integrate the speaker into existing speaker groups via the Google Home app for synchronized playback. Additionally, Google is introducing a highly requested feature: the ability to pair two of these new speakers with a Google TV Streamer to create a surround-sound-style audio setup for home entertainment.
The hardware is encased in a 3D-knitted fabric, a design choice intended to minimize textile waste and improve the product’s overall environmental footprint.
Global Availability
The new Gemini-powered speaker is slated for an international launch in spring 2026, with confirmed availability in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.