Gemini revives the idea of a smart speaker for Google, with the upcoming “Google Home Speaker” being the first new hardware in years. Meanwhile, it looks like we might also see a resurgence of third-party smart speakers in the Gemini era, something we haven’t seen in quite some time.
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For quite some time, the term “ Google Assistant smart speaker ” didn’t just refer to Google’s first-party hardware. Sure, everyone knows the Google Home Mini and, to a lesser extent, the Nest Audio , but there was once a thriving market for third-party Assistant speakers from companies like JBL and many others. The last notable Google Assistant-powered smart speaker was 2023’s JBL Authentics series
That seems to be coming to an end as we get closer to the full launch of Gemini. A product listing recently appeared on the CSA website, revealing a new “Onn Smart Speaker” that Walmart is preparing. The simple speaker has a discreet design with Gemini voice controls and audio streaming via Bluetooth or Google Cast. There are also physical volume and play/pause controls visible in the unique image of the device, and a microphone switch is also mentioned.
See also: Nest devices can now only participate in one speaker group at a time
The Gemini-powered smart home speaker integrates voice assistant, audio playback, and smart home control functions. The device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and enables seamless media streaming via Google Cast for Audio. It features a 10W speaker and microphone array for reliable voice interaction. The product includes physical controls, LED indicators, and a microphone privacy switch to protect user privacy.
Walmart hasn't officially released this device, nor have we seen it appear on the retailer's website or in stores. It would certainly make sense if it were released alongside the new Google TV hardware that Walmart has been shipping to stores lately. The listing was spotted by a Reddit user who previously revealed some early details about Walmart's new Google TV devices.
It's unclear when this device might be released by Walmart, but it sets the stage for a resurgence in third-party smart speaker hardware powered by Google's voice assistant. Gemini is already available on a number of older Assistant speakers, so this makes some sense, but it will certainly be interesting to see what comes next.
See also: How to separate two Google Assistant speakers connected to a stereo
Meanwhile, the Google Home Speaker is expected to be released in the near future, possibly in a few weeks based on the company's original schedule.
