#google-home

#google-home

Google is finally launching a new smart speaker, and it's a complete redesign. The new Google Home Speaker features a new flattened sphere shape, new colors, a new light ring, and lots of new AI-powered features. Announced this week, along with a major Gemini-infused update to its Google Home smart home platform, the speaker will also run the new Gemini voice assistant instead of Google Assistant. It won't be available until spring 2026, but I got an early look in New York City last week.

Google has announced that users of the US and UK versions of the 3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat E can now schedule temperature adjustments using the Google Home app, allowing for easier scheduling without needing the dedicated Nest app.

On Thursday afternoon, many people with smart home setups connected to Google Home / Nest, or who are trying to stream music on Spotify, are coming up empty.

Google has rolled out updates to its Home app including picture-in-picture for Nest Cams on Google TV and enhanced smart home controls via the Gemini app.