All four Echo devices are currently available for preorder, with the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio available on October 29, and the Echo Show 8 and 11 available on November 12.
What About Gemini for Google Home?
Google announced that Gemini for Home, the new version of its voice assistant, is rolling out in early access to existing Google Home users. It’ll eventually replace the current Google Assistant entirely, and is currently slated to roll out to almost all of Google’s devices. One of the notable exceptions is the Pixel Tablet; otherwise, Google’s existing hardware is pretty well reflected for what Gemini for Home will reach.
Unlike Alexa+, this new assistant will always be free. However, Google is changing its camera subscription, Nest Aware, to become a subscription for Gemini for Home that will have two tiers, Standard ($10 a month) and Advanced ($20 a month), to replace the Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus subscription. This new subscription model will extend beyond cameras and include some advanced smart assistant features, including Gemini Live, which is a more conversational chat mode you can activate on a smart speaker, and automation features you won’t get on the base assistant. The Advanced mode will also let you ask Gemini for video history, get AI notifications and descriptions, and a customized summary at the end of the day called Home Brief. The Standard Plan will have 30 days of video event history plus intelligent alerts for its cameras, while the Advanced plan will have 60 days and 24/7 video history.
Google also has a new speaker coming for the first time in years. The Google Home Speaker has the same name as the original Google smart speaker from 2016, but looks like a taller Nest Mini (it actually looks the most like a HomePod Mini rather than Google’s own lineup) and while it’s small, it will become the new flagship speaker of Google’s lineup. It’s due out in Spring 2026 and will retail for $99. We’re curious to see if Google’s other speakers remain available, and if any other hardware is slated to come out as Gemini rolls out, whether from Google or from third-party partners.
More Smart Speakers We’ve Tested
Amazon Echo Pop for $40: The Echo Pop is a cute little speaker that’s affordable and comes in fun colors. It’s a fine choice for college students or teenagers who want something with a little personality, but everyone else should just upgrade to the Echo Dot for much better sound and otherwise the same features.
Amazon Echo Show 5 for $90: The Show 5 can do everything the Show 8 can do, but on a smaller, less convenient screen. It’s a good size for a bedroom, but it has a camera; I’d rather add the Echo Spot or the Google Nest Hub for a similar mini screen on my bedside table.
