Google built a great smart speaker, but Gemini isn’t ready for it

Smart speakers have spent the past few years searching for a compelling second act. Beyond music, timers, and controlling your lights, they’ve struggled to justify taking up space on the kitchen counter. AI promised to change that . Amazon debuted its new hardware powered by a revamped Alexa last fall, and now it’s finally Google’s turn. The Google Home Speaker is the company’s first new smart speaker in six years and its first “built for Gemini.” After years of neglect, Google appears to be finally getting serious about the smart home — again. The new speaker is the clearest sign yet. Gemini for Home , however, still feels unfinished. $98 The Good Good sound for its size Appealing design Gemini’s conversational understanding is impressive A smart home controller for Matter and Thread Can pair with the Google TV Streamer The Bad Gemini is slow and unreliable Several features are paywalled Doesn’t sound as good as the Nest Audio it replaces As a piece of hardware, the $99.99 Google Home Speaker is a delightful device. It is the Goldilocks of smart speakers: big enough to sound good, small enough to blend into a room, attractive without drawing attention, and inexpensive enough to consider buying more than one. The Echo Dot Max, HomePod Mini, and Google Home Speaker. With its clean look, subtle light ring, and soft green shade, the Home Speaker’s design is my favorite of the three. …