After years of incremental updates, Google is betting that Gemini AI can reinvent the smart speaker. The company announced Wednesday its first audio device made specifically for Gemini in the $99.99 Google Home Speaker.
The new Google Home device is the tech giant’s first standalone smart speaker since Nest Audio in September 2020. This older device came out at a time when smart speakers were primarily thought of as useful controllers for smart homes and music playback systems. Commands often needed to be worded correctly to make things work, and they lacked the smarts of today’s AI chatbots.
Google Home Speaker changes that, allowing you to speak using natural language requests and even make multi-step requests using your preferred expressions. For example, you can tell the speaker to “turn off all lights except the bedside lamp” or “dim the kitchen lights, play some relaxing music, and set the timer for 20 minutes.”
You can also revise mid-sentence while speaking instead of trying the request again. Then Gemini will understand. This means you can say something like, “Turn off the coffee maker…I mean, turn it on!” Google points out that the AI will then respond appropriately.
Additionally, the device comes with 10 new voices that allow for two-way conversations on topics that are not limited to smart home tasks and other simple commands. Just like when you talk to a Gemini on your smartphone, you can ask more nuanced questions and dig deeper into the topics you want to know. When using the Continued Conversation feature, the speaker’s microphone can also remain on for a short period of time, allowing them to ask follow-up questions more naturally without having to say “OK, Google” again.
The device is similar to older versions with a 3D knit textile wrapping and a rounded 3.4 x 4.2 inch design. In the US, the speaker comes in Jade and Berry colors, in addition to the Hazel and Porcelain options available elsewhere. A new ring light at the bottom indicates whether the speaker is listening, thinking, or responding.
However, not all of the new device’s AI smart features will be free.
Google sells a Google Home Premium subscription plan for $10 per month (or $100 per year) if you want more powerful AI features. This includes being able to have more free-flowing conversations with Gemini Live, which you can start by saying, “Hey Google, let’s chat.” Home Premium also helps you ask questions and understand the activity captured by Nest cameras in your home, and provides an overview of what’s happening inside your home while you’re away.
Whether these features are compelling enough to justify a separate monthly subscription remains to be seen, especially when many of the device’s Gemini features are available without charge.
Google tries to get users used to advanced features by offering them for free for six months before encouraging users to subscribe. If successful, Google will reinvigorate its line of smart speakers powered by generative AI and have found a way to get some customers to pay for technological advances.
The device is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship later this month.
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