After subtly teasing its next-generation Google Home speaker last fall and then remaining uncharacteristically quiet about it since, the tech giant has finally confirmed that the device will launch on June 25th for $100.

Google says its Google Home Speaker features Gemini for Home, its new AI-powered voice assistant that supports more natural language and multi-step phrases, rather than the rigid commands used by Google Assistant and its previous generation smart speakers, including the Nest Audio. Google says that with its new Home Speaker, Gemini adapts to how you speak, "making it easier and more intuitive to get the help you need."

In terms of the actual hardware, the new Google Home Speaker is a sphere that offers "balanced 360° sound." Google says the smart speaker also features advanced microphone processing that adapts to your environment to help it hear you more clearly. Additionally, the smart speaker works with the Google TV Streamer, allowing you to pair up to two speakers with the set-top box for sound, similar to the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.

There's a light ring under the speaker that indicates when it's communicating or thinking, and like previous Google Home speakers, this latest refresh is wrapped in 3D-knit material, including Hazel, Porcelain, and Jade. In terms of specific specs, the new Google Home Speaker features 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and a Quad-Core A55 2.0GHz NPU. The mic array consists of three far-field microphones and a two-stage mic mute switch. There are also capacitive touch controls on the top of the smart speaker.

Most of Gemini for Home's features are also available on older Google Home speakers

Gemini aims to be more conversational compared to Google Assistant

Examples of Gemini upgrades include turning off all your lights except a bedside lamp, as well as multi-command requests like dimming the kitchen lights, playing music, and setting a timer. Additionally, Google says that Gemini for Home on the Google Home Speaker will be capable of understanding mid-sentence corrections, as well as answering more complex queries like, "What's the weather going to be like for next week's Blue Jays game?" Gemini will then determine where the Blue Jays play and pull weather data for the date of the team's game.

Other features include more natural and expressive voice options, and Gemini Live conversations, though this feature requires a Google Home Premium subscription. It's important to note that older Google smart speakers, dating back to the 2016 Google Home, also support Gemini integration. XDA will have more on Google's new Home Speaker in the coming weeks.