Google rolled out a comprehensive smart home ecosystem refresh today, introducing Gemini for Home to replace Google Assistant alongside a new $100 Google Home speaker designed specifically for AI-powered conversations.

The tech giant confirmed the Google Home Speaker will hit shelves in spring 2026, featuring 360-degree audio, a color light ring that signals when Gemini is listening or responding, and integration with Google TV Streamer devices for home theater setups. The speaker comes in four color options—jade, berry, porcelain, and hazel—positioning itself as a direct competitor to Apple’s HomePod mini at the identical $99 price point.

Conversational AI Transforms Smart Home Interactions

Gemini for Home marks Google’s most substantial smart home advancement since the original Google Assistant debut, bringing conversational AI capabilities to speakers, displays, cameras, and doorbells released over the past decade. Unlike the rigid command structure required by Google Assistant, Gemini interprets context and enables more natural exchanges.

“For media, Gemini transforms rigid search into fluid conversation because it understands fuzzy, human context,” wrote Anish Kattukaran, Google Home and Nest product director. Users can now say “Hey Google, I’m going to watch a movie, turn off the lights,” and Gemini understands to dim specifically the living room lighting.

The AI assistant introduces Gemini Live for hands-free conversations without activation keywords, though this capability requires a Google Home Premium subscription. Google begins rolling out Gemini for Home through an early access program this month, with broader availability expected by late October.

Premium Subscription Tiers Replace Nest Aware Service

Google launched Google Home Premium to replace the Nest Aware subscription, maintaining the same pricing structure with two tiers. The standard plan costs $10 monthly or $100 annually, while the advanced tier runs $20 monthly or $200 annually.

Premium subscribers gain access to AI-powered features including natural language search through video history, automated daily summaries called “Home Brief,” and detailed event descriptions for camera recordings. The service comes free with Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions.

Google also released new Nest cameras featuring 2K HDR recording, wider viewing angles, and enhanced low-light performance, priced between $99.99 and $179.99. The refreshed Google Home app loads 70% faster on Android devices and experiences 80% fewer crashes.

The spring 2026 launch positions Google to compete more aggressively in the smart home market while transitioning users from traditional voice assistants to conversational AI experiences. The pricing strategy and premium features suggest Google aims to balance accessibility with monetization of advanced AI capabilities across its expanding smart home portfolio.