Google finally upgraded its smart speaker after 6 years was it worth the wait?

I’ve used Google Home speakers for years, which is why I was so excited when, after six long years, Google released a new one.Google’s original Nest speakers have finally been upgraded with the new Google Home Speaker, effectively replacing the older generation with a sleeker, more AI-powered design.Priced at $100, this smart speaker is built to function with Gemini for Home, making it easy to use your device not just on its own, but with the rest of your smart home.This new $100 model is one of my favorite upgrades yet.

Setup took me less than five minutes, and Gemini makes everything from controlling my smart home to having full conversations easier.Dimensions: 3.4 in H x 4.2 in diameter | Weight: 0.9 lbs (including power cable) | Audio: 58mm full-range driver, 360-degree sound | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread 1.3 | Microphones: 3 far-field microphones | Power: 30W USB-C power adapter (corded) | Colors: Berry, Porcelain, Hazel, Jade Setup for the Google Home Speaker is through the original Google Home app.I added the device, and it took less than five minutes to fully complete the setup.I was able to pick it almost immediately from the device list and then customize my speaker’s voice and privacy settings.

Since I already have a Google Home setup, I just added it to the room I wanted to use it in.From there, the speaker was ready to go.Every time I’ve used a Google Home speaker before, I’ve struggled with getting anything really useful out of it.Now, with the new speaker built for Gemini, I can ask the speaker to set schedules, read out my calendar, have full conversations, like how to set up a new laptop, and even interrupt my assistant while having a conversation.It can also sync to other smart devices in the home.I don’t have a Google Nest doorbell or camera, but you can have your device check in on them or even ask your compatible smart coffee maker to brew a cup of coffee at 6 a.m.

I usually use my smart home speaker to turn on li...