Google built a great smart speaker, but Gemini isn’t ready for it
TL;DR
Google’s new Google Home Speaker is its first smart speaker in six years: $99.99, compact, good-looking, solid sound for its size, with Matter controller and Thread border router support. The hardware is the stronger part of the product. The speaker hears commands well, fits into rooms easily, and can pair with the Google TV Streamer, though its bass and overall audio trail larger speakers.
Nauti's Take
This is where consumer AI gets tested harder than in a keynote. A speaker cannot just phrase things naturally; it has to run lights, music, TV, and lists without turning simple tasks into retries.
Google has a credible smart-home comeback device, but Gemini for Home still feels like beta software with subscription pressure attached. Buy the hardware if it fits your setup; do not treat Gemini as a finished household copilot yet.
Briefingshow
AI was supposed to give smart speakers their second act, but this review exposes the practical gap: homes reward reliability more than conversational flair. If an assistant is slow, forgetful, or wrong about routine tasks, convenience collapses. Google has fixed the hardware story, but it has not yet earned trust on the software side.
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