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VERIFIEDBy Xavier Rivera· ·1.5 min read

Google begins pre-orders for new $100 Home speaker with 360-degree sound and Gemini

Google started taking pre-orders for its redesigned $100 Home speaker that features 360-degree audio, a recycled-fabric shell in four colors and Gemini as the default voice assistant. A Google Home Premium subscription is reportedly required to unlock Gemini Live, advanced automation and AI-generated home summaries.

Source:Engadget

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Google begins pre-orders for new $100 Home speaker with 360-degree sound and Gemini

TL;DRAI · 60 sec read

Google first revealed plans for a redesigned Google Home speaker last fall targeting a mid-2026 release. The company started accepting pre-orders for the device on Tuesday, with shipments scheduled to begin on June 25.

The speaker shifts to 360-degree audio in a compact design. Engineers moved away from directional projection to produce even sound dispersion from a smaller frame. Owners can still link two units for stereo pairing, and the speaker can deliver TV audio when connected to Google's TV Streamer.

The speaker shifts to 360-degree audio in a compact design.

The exterior features a 3D knit fabric woven from recycled materials and comes in four color options: hazel, porcelain, jade and berry. A ring of LEDs now sits at the base to signal when the microphone is listening or the device is answering, replacing earlier lights hidden behind the mesh.

Gemini becomes the primary assistant replacing Google Assistant. The switch aligns with the company's effort to extend advanced AI capabilities to everyday users. The speaker can reportedly handle complex, multi-step requests in one voice command, such as adjusting lights, starting music playback and setting a timer.

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Google reports that Gemini offers improved context awareness and extended short-term memory for smoother conversations that require fewer repeated details. The company expects this will reduce how often users must say "Hey Google" or "OK, Google" to activate the device.

Gemini becomes the primary assistant replacing Google Assistant.

Full features require a Google Home Premium subscription. The $10 monthly standard plan reportedly grants access to Gemini Live for natural back-and-forth dialogue plus expanded automation tools. The $20 tier reportedly layers on an AI-powered Home Brief that condenses activity from compatible security cameras, video doorbells and similar devices, along with intelligent alerts and saved video footage.

Current subscribers to certain Google AI or cloud storage services may already qualify for portions of these benefits. The $20-per-month Google AI Pro plan, for instance, bundles Google Home Premium Standard.

The speaker carries a $100 price tag.

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