Each of the new Nest cameras comes with six hours of event history in 10-second video clips for free, but if you want to unlock the AI capabilities, you’ll have to stump up for one of the new Google Home Premium subscription plans.
Google is also partnering with third parties on more Gemini for Home-compatible devices that will work in the Google Home app. The first partner is Walmart with the Onn Indoor Wired Camera ($23) and the Onn Video Doorbell ($50). Both are budget-friendly 1080p cameras.
A New Google Home Speaker
There hasn’t been a Google Home smart speaker since the Nest Audio in 2020, but that’s finally changing with the aptly named Google Home Speaker. It costs $100, and while the audio quality may not be as up to par as the larger Nest Audio, this device has a snazzy, round design made from a 3D knit recycled yarn that isn’t too different from the new Echo Dot Max. It’s arriving in the spring of 2026, and you can choose from four colors: Jade, Berry, Porcelain, and Hazel.
There’s an expressive light strip around the base to indicate when Gemini is listening or talking, and you get 360 audio from this little orb. Google says you can pair two of these together with the Google TV Streamer 4K for surround sound. Naturally, it can be grouped with other Nest speakers for stereo sound or multiroom music. There’s also a physical toggle to mute the microphone.
It has been a rocky road for Google’s smart home platform over the last few years, with a clunky transition from the Nest app, missing features, and a lack of polish in the Home app. Today’s announcements are a crucial step forward for its smart home ambitions, especially since the home voice assistant wars seem to be picking back up where they left off.
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