You could say Google is making a fresh play for the living room. A Gemini-first speaker is in the works and may be here by next week. Cues from the top and some retailer leaks have us looking at a no-fuss device in the $100 range, a way to go head-to-head with Amazon as they tinker with their own Alexa line.
Why this is a big deal
It’s been years since a proper refresh of a Google smart speaker. This is a move to make Gemini the de facto brain of the house. In a way, it’s the 2026 answer to the first Google Home that hit US shores a decade back.
The numbers don’t lie. The last time we saw a Nest speaker with any changes was 2022, and the competition has been moving fast. With a speaker that is native to Gemini, Google can show its AI is up to the task and win back some of the attention it has ceded.
What we’ve been told so far
Anish Kattukaran, the CPO in charge of the home side of things, let the cat out of the bag. He put out a note to people who have been giving him feedback on Gemini for Home: ‘For those of you who have been patiently waiting for a certain speaker… keep a very close eye on your inbox next week.’
Then there was a Best Buy Canada page that was up for a moment before it was pulled. Between that and what we’re hearing, June 25, 2026 is the date. Some say an announcement or pre-orders are coming in the near term, with full availability to follow, but Google won’t put anything in writing just yet.
On the design and the palette
If the leaks are to be believed, you won’t see the old puck shape of the Nest Mini. Think more of a rounded, unobtrusive form, not unlike a flatter version of the HomePod mini, with some fabric and a light ring to let you know the AI is at work.
We should see it in Berry, Hazel, Jade and Porcelain. For now, the listings have only shown us the Hazel and Porcelain, which could mean a slow roll-out or just some final touches on the SKUs.
Gemini is the star
Older models had AI bolted on; this one is said to be built from the up with it in mind. You can count on a more fluid back-and-forth, better follow-through, and a wiser way of running your other gadgets.
There is some talk about tiers, too. A few reports have it that if you want the good stuff, you might need a Google Home Premium plan. We’ll have to wait and see how they package it all.
The bottom line on cost
All the noise is around the $100 figure, or $99 in the US (and between Rs 8,000 and 9,000 over in India). It’s right where the Nest Audio is, and in the size category where most of the units are sold.
As for what you get, 360-degree sound is on the table, as is the ability to hook up a pair to a Google TV Streamer for something that feels like a home theatre. It’s a step up from just a voice assistant.
Putting it in perspective
Google has been rolling out Gemini to the older hardware first, to iron out the kinks. They have 3.5 million or so in the early access group and have put in over 2,500 bug fixes based on what they’ve heard.
So when this does come out, it won’t be a raw debut. Having put the software through its paces for months makes a difference.
Here is the short list of what to look for in the coming days:
– An official word is on the way
– Best Buy in Canada had a flash of the June 25, 2026 date
– $99 is the number in the US
– Rs 8,000 to 9,000 in India
– You can have it in Porcelain, Hazel, Berry or Jade
Looking ahead
Assuming the timing is right, we could be seeing an announcement or pre-orders from Google next week, with more to come after. The home team has been more forthcoming with their message and the stores are getting ready.
Officially, the company is holding its cards. But if you are thinking of parting with an old Home or Nest, you may find out what to do with a peek at your email next week.
