Ten months later, the $100 Google Home Speaker is finally available for preorder

· Source: AI - Ars Technica · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

Google has finally made its new Google Speaker available for preorder at \$100, with a launch date of June 25, nearly ten months after its initial announcement last August. This marks Google's first new smart speaker in almost six years, following the Nest Audio's debut in September 2020. The device features a small, round design covered in partially recycled fabric, available in hazel, porcelain, jade, and berry colors. It promises "360-degree sound" and includes a light ring that illuminates during interaction. Internally, it boasts a quad-core A55-based processor clocked at 2 GHz with a dedicated NPU, enabling local AI models for enhanced sound isolation and background noise filtering. While it offers utility like pairing with Google TV Streamers for "Immersive" audio and integrating with other Nest devices, its audio hardware includes a single 58 mm full-range driver, which Google states places its quality between the Nest Audio (75 mm woofer, 19 mm tweeter) and the Nest Mini. Purchasing the speaker also includes six months of Google Premium, enabling Gemini Live conversations, though Gemini is also accessible on older Google speakers.

Key takeaway

For consumers considering a new smart speaker, evaluate if your priority is advanced voice interaction and noise filtering over premium audio quality. If you frequently struggle with your current speaker mishearing commands, the Google Speaker's local AI processing could offer a less frustrating experience. However, if high-fidelity music playback is paramount, you might find its single 58 mm driver a downgrade compared to older models like the Nest Audio. Consider your existing Google ecosystem for seamless integration with Google TV Streamers and other Nest devices.

Key insights

Google's new smart speaker prioritizes local AI processing for improved voice interaction over raw audio fidelity.

Principles

Method

The Google Speaker uses a quad-core A55-based processor with a dedicated NPU to run local AI models, improving sound isolation and filtering background noise for clearer voice command recognition.

In practice

Topics

Best for: Product Manager, Tech Journalist, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI - Ars Technica.