Google's first smart speaker in six years ships June 25th, featuring Gemini conversational AI and improved smart-home controls.

What happened: Google Home Speaker, priced at $100, begins shipping on June 25th after nine months of software refinement since its announcement. The device is designed specifically for Gemini for Home, Google's conversational AI assistant, and acts as both a Matter controller and Thread border router for connecting smart home devices.

Why it matters: Gemini for Home understands natural language better than Google Assistant, handles complex questions, and can converse back-and-forth without repeating a wake word. Google used the months before launch to improve latency for smart home and basic media commands by up to 40 percent, fix over 2,500 reported issues, and ship more than 50 new features. This represents Google's strongest positioning yet for AI to play a central role in the smart home.

What to watch: Buyers who preorder before mid-September receive six months of Google Home Premium included (normally $10 per month). Google Home Premium is required to use Gemini Live, the company's most conversational Gemini experience, and unlocks AI-powered search on Nest cameras and daily home activity summaries.