The Google Home Speaker is set to hit the market tomorrow after a nine-month wait. As I explore its capabilities, I’ve had only 24 hours to test it, which isn’t enough for a comprehensive review, but I’ve formed some initial impressions.
So, after a six-year gap since the Nest Audio, is the new speaker worth the wait? Let’s delve into its features.
The design is nice, but it has quirks
Upon unboxing, the Home Speaker matched my expectations. It’s a slightly flattened orb enveloped in mesh fabric, comfortably fitting in my hand. The 37% recycled fabric feels pleasant and slightly elastic.
Size-wise, it is positioned between the discontinued Nest Mini and Nest Audio. Its design is similar, though it somewhat resembles an inverted and squashed Apple HomePod Mini.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The color I have, Hazel, looks predominantly black. In the UK, the only other option is Porcelain, a creamy white, while the Berry and Jade versions are exclusive to the US, which is somewhat disappointing.
Google explained: “We launched in the UK with our two most versatile, classic colorways to focus on our core designs. We’re always listening to customer feedback as we plan future rollouts.”
I can’t unsee that it looks like an Apple HomePod Mini that’s been turned upside down and flattened a little
While the design has merits, some changes by Google might not sit well with existing users.
One notable feature is the colorful ring light at the base, which is the primary interaction point. It illuminates during various functions like waking up, listening, and volume adjustments.
Although I find it appealing, its visibility can vary depending on the placement of the device.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The controls are on the top for play/pause and on the sides for volume, but their exact positions on the symmetrical orb make them less intuitive.
Another point of contention is the fixed cable, a departure from its predecessors. While it ends in a USB-C connector, its permanence could be inconvenient if damaged.
In my experience, these cables rarely get damaged as they are usually tucked away, but the risk might vary by household. On a positive note, the speaker includes a 30W adapter, which can be repurposed for phones if needed.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Sound quality is great
When it comes to audio performance—a crucial aspect for a speaker—the Google Home Speaker delivers impressive sound quality.
I’ve tested it with a variety of music genres and podcasts, and it offers clear, rich, and room-filling audio despite its compact size.
The Nest Mini was never my choice for music, and the Nest Audio was quite bulky. This new speaker strikes a balance, although it lacks the tweeter found in the similarly priced Nest Audio.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In a small to medium-sized room, you won’t likely need to max out the volume. The Google Home app offers bass and treble adjustments for further customization.
I can confidently say that the Google Home Speaker sounds pretty great
While I only have one unit, you can pair two speakers for stereo sound and connect them to a Google TV Streamer for spatial surround-sound audio.
Gemini must prove itself
I’ve been using basic commands so far, and they work well. However, the Gemini for Home is central to the system, warranting a longer testing period for a complete review.
This system is an enhancement over Google Assistant, promising more conversational interactions without needing specific phrases. It even allows for self-correction while speaking.
Gemini aims to enhance life organization and provide more detailed information from connected cameras—like checking if a family member has arrived home.
Chris Martin / Foundry
There are two main considerations. First, some features require a Google Home Premium subscription, such as Gemini Live for deeper conversational capabilities.
The speaker includes a 6-month trial, allowing a lengthy evaluation period before committing. The subscription’s value depends on the number of Google Home devices you own—the more you have, the more beneficial it becomes.
The Standard plan costs £8/$10 monthly or £80/$100 annually, while the Advanced plan, which includes features like 60-day event video history, is priced at £16/$20 monthly or £160/$200 annually.
I like that it comes with a 30W adapter, which I can steal for phones if needed
Secondly, you might assume a new Google Home Speaker is necessary for the updated system, but Google has upgraded all speakers and displays to Gemini for Home. If you own specific devices, they also support the advanced Gemini Live version.
- Nest Audio
- Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
- Nest Hub Max
- Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
This could mean upgrading is unnecessary, raising the question of who the Google Home Speaker is designed for, given the prevalence of these devices in smart homes.
A comprehensive review of the Google Home Speaker is forthcoming. For those eager to buy, it is available on the Google website for £99.99/$99.99.
