Google teases its next-generation Gemini-powered Google Home speaker — launching in spring 2026

On Wednesday, Google gave an early preview of its upcoming flagship smart home device: a new AI-driven Google Home speaker, scheduled to launch in spring 2026. Priced at $99, the device is built around the company’s Gemini AI assistant and will be available in four colors — Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade.

Anish Kattukaran, Google’s Chief Product Officer for Home and Nest, explained during a press briefing ahead of the event that the delayed launch was a strategic decision. The company wants to ensure that Gemini’s new features reach existing Google Home devices first, giving users time to adapt and troubleshoot before the new model hits shelves.

According to Kattukaran, current users will be able to try Gemini through early access, share feedback, and report bugs.

“This is about serving the users we already have,” he said. “We don’t want you to feel forced to buy the new one — unless you want to. And, to be honest, we think you will, but you won’t need to.”

Because the speaker is designed specifically for Gemini, it will include a more capable processor able to handle AI tasks such as background noise suppression, reverb and echo cancellation. In practical terms, that means when you’re talking to Gemini Live, the speaker won’t get confused if someone else across the room starts speaking.

A new light ring beneath the device will also deliver richer, more expressive visual cues, signaling when Gemini is listening, thinking, reasoning, or responding — though Gemini Live itself will require a Google Home Premium subscription.

In terms of audio, the new Google Home will feature 360-degree sound and retain the ability to join speaker groups — collections of devices that play audio in sync. Users will now also be able to pair two Google Home speakers with a Google TV streaming device to create a surround-sound setup, a long-requested feature.

The device is wrapped in 3D-knitted fabric made with reduced textile waste, making it more environmentally friendly.

Google plans to launch the new Gemini-powered speaker in spring 2026 across multiple regions, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.