Tags: Nest Hub

Google Home head Anish Kattukaran confirmed the company remains committed to smart displays and hinted at a forthcoming Nest Hub that will integrate the Gemini AI model. The new device would build on Google’s smart‑display lineage that began in 2018, with the last refresh occurring in 2021. As Google prepares its announcement, Amazon has recently unveiled updated Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 models featuring enhanced 360‑degree speakers. The emerging competition highlights the importance of design, audio quality, and AI integration for the next generation of home smart displays. Read more

Google has reaffirmed its dedication to smart displays, linking them to the new Gemini for Home platform. Anish Kattukaran, head of Google Home, emphasized the multi‑modal strengths of displays—combining microphones, speakers, screens and cameras—to deliver a richer home experience. While no specific hardware has been announced, the company signals that future smart displays will be integral to its AI‑driven home strategy, positioning them as the ultimate form factor for interacting with Gemini and the broader Google ecosystem. Read more

Google introduced Gemini for Home, a new AI‑driven voice assistant that will eventually replace Google Assistant. Early access will roll out to existing Google devices, with most smart speakers and displays remaining compatible except the Pixel Tablet. The company also restructured its Nest Aware subscription into two paid tiers—Standard at $10 per month and Advanced at $20—adding features like Gemini Live, AI‑generated video insights, and a daily Home Brief. Additionally, Google revealed a new $99 Google Home speaker, slated for a spring 2026 release, which is expected to succeed the Nest Audio. Read more

Google announced its newest smart speaker, the Google Home Speaker, which embeds the Gemini AI model and features a compact, woven‑mesh design available in four colors. The device includes a bottom‑integrated ring light that signals Gemini activity or microphone mute status, and offers omnidirectional audio with 360‑degree coverage. It will support existing Google Home and Nest Hub devices, though without the full Gemini Live experience, and is priced at $99. Google said the rollout timing is intentional, with the speaker slated for a Spring 2026 launch to ensure a smooth transition for millions of existing users. Read more