The new Google Home Speaker with Gemini costs $99, matching the HomePod mini and representing Google's first premium smart speaker in years.
Snapshot · Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
The new Google Home Speaker with Gemini costs $99, matching the HomePod mini and representing Google's first premium smart speaker in years.
Where this was said
At 53:54 · chapter starts 46:40
David introduces the new Google Home Speaker, announced at Made by Google in October and finally arriving (technically on the last day of spring). At $99 — identical to the HomePod mini — it's Google's first premium speaker in years and the first Gemini-first device. Key capabilities include chained reasoning commands ('dim the kitchen lights, play relaxing music, set a timer'), interrupting responses mid-sentence, and the mic staying open post-answer for follow-up questions. The $10/month Google Home Premium subscription unlocks Gemini Live for free-flowing conversation and camera history search — 'did my dog get on the couch today?' David floats his theory that these $10 subscriptions aren't meant to sell standalone but to make the $20 Google AI Pro plan (which includes 5TB storage, Gemini Pro, and all premium add-ons) look like obvious value. Marques reveals he's nearly filled his 5TB Drive with 20 years of Gmail and Google Photos. [1] — David Imel "The new $99 Google Home Speaker is the first Gemini-native smart speaker. You can chain commands like 'dim the kitchen lights, play relaxin…" 44:40
Google AI Pro is $20/month and comes with Google Home Premium, Google Health Premium, Gemini Pro, and 5TB of Drive storage. David's theory: the standalone $10 subscriptions aren't really meant to sell — they're just there to make the $20 bundle look irresistible.
Google AI Pro subscription includes 5 terabytes of Drive storage, which David argues is the real hook that will drive subscriptions rather than AI features.
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