2 / 1405

Google Home Just Got Smarter, but the Best Features Are Now Hidden Behind a Paywall

TL;DR

Google I/O 2026 delivered a mix of excitement and disappointment for smart home enthusiasts. While the event showcased significant advancements, such as the introduction of the Gemini AI Assistant with multi-step command capabilities and expanded language support, it also left a notable gap in its lineup. The long-awaited $99 Google Home Gemini speaker, teased in […] The post Google Home Just Got Smarter, but the Best Features Are Now Hidden Behind a Paywall appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Nauti's Take

Google finally makes the smart home agent useful, then puts the cash register in front of it. For AI builders, that is the real lesson: agentic UX sells through everyday chores, not magic demos.

But if every useful automation needs a subscription, trust becomes the product problem.

Video

Sources