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| New Google Home smart speaker with LED light ring and Gemini AI support. |
Google has officially announced a major update to its smart device ecosystem. Starting in 2026, all Google Home and Nest devices will replace Google Assistant with a new AI system called Gemini. Alongside this change, the tech giant from California is also preparing to launch a next-generation Google Home smart speaker powered by AI features and immersive 360-degree sound.
Gemini will serve as the central brain for all Google smart devices released in the past decade. That means even owners of older products—like the first-generation Google Home (2016) or Nest Hub—will be able to experience the upgrade through Google’s Early Access program. The update will extend to smart speakers, displays, cameras, and video doorbells.
According to Google’s official statement, Gemini is designed to understand human speech more naturally and contextually. “With Gemini, users can have free-flowing conversations without repeating key phrases or commands,” a Google spokesperson wrote on the company’s blog. The AI can also pick music based on simple descriptions—for example, “play something relaxing for a Sunday afternoon.”
One of the most anticipated features is Gemini Live Mode, which allows users to talk directly to their devices without saying “Hey Google.” However, this feature will be exclusive to Google Home Premium subscribers, starting at $10 per month.
Google’s new smart speaker also comes with a dedicated AI processor, a LED light ring for visual feedback during interactions, and a 360-degree sound system for a richer audio experience. Users can even group multiple speakers together and link them with Google TV to create a home theater setup.
The new Google Home smart speaker will hit global markets in spring 2026, priced at around $100. This move marks a new chapter for Google’s integration of AI into everyday life. With Gemini’s smarter, more conversational capabilities, Google aims to strengthen its position as a leader in the smart home ecosystem—competing head-to-head with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomePod.
If successful, Gemini could also make its way to other Google platforms like Android and ChromeOS, eventually replacing Google Assistant entirely.