On Wednesday, Google offered a timely preview of the next flagship of the Google Home Smart Device, which begins in the spring of 2026.
The somewhat delayed launch period is an intentional option from Google’s side, explained by Anish Kattukaran, head of Google Home and Nest, in a press briefing before the Wednesday event.
The company first wants to ensure that the new functionality of Gemini reaches its other Google Home customers on older devices and gives them time to process contractions. These existing customers will be able to try the twin on timely access, offer comments and report errors, he says.
“It has to work for existing users. We don’t want to force you to buy a new one unless you want,” Kattukaran said. “And by the way, we think you may want to, but you don’t need it,” he added.
The construction of Gemini means that the new speaker will have a processor capable of handling Gemini AI, who will also handle things such as background noise, echo effects and echo cancellation. In this way, the speaker will not be confused (in theory) if you are talking to Gemini Live and someone else who is farther in the room starts talking.
The new device will also have a light ring beneath what will provide more expressive, visual feedback on what Gemini is doing, such as listening, thinking, reasoning or responsiveness to Live Gemini mode. (Gemini Live will require a Google Home Premium subscription.)
In terms of speakers’ capabilities, the Google Home device will offer 360 degree sound and the ability to add the device to multi-speaker-speaker groups that play at the same time audio-in the Google Home app, as before. Users will also be able to combine two Google Home speakers with a Google TV stream-the Google Flower for TVs-for a Surround-Sound style setting, which is something that users have long asked for.
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The device is covered with 3D knitted material that is said to reduce fabric waste and is more environmentally friendly.
Google is planning to launch the new device in the spring of 2026 in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Belgium, Switzerland
