Google's $100 Home Speaker is finally available for preorder after a 10-month wait, offering improved sound isolation through on-device AI processing.

What happened: Google announced its first new smart home speaker in nearly six years, the Google Home Speaker, which will launch on June 25 at $100. The device features a quad-core processor with a dedicated AI accelerator (NPU) that runs local AI models to filter background noise, and includes a light ring around the bottom that glows when listening, thinking, or responding.

Why it matters: Smart speakers have historically struggled with mishearing commands. By processing audio locally rather than relying solely on the cloud, the Google Home Speaker could reduce false activations and misinterpretations — a common frustration point that has made these devices less reliable than users would prefer.

What to watch: Preorders are available starting today, with the June 25 launch date confirmed. The speaker comes in four colors (hazel, porcelain, jade, and berry), though jade and berry are limited to the US market.