Google's new Echo rival promises to take on Alexa with very smart upgrade

The smart speaker battle is heating up. Amazon recently unveiled a range of impressive devices, including the premium Echo Studio, which combines powerful sound with its next-generation Alexa+ assistant. That AI-powered upgrade makes conversations with Alexa feel more natural, while delivering richer, more detailed answers to everyday questions. Now Google is hitting back with the launch of its new Home Speaker. The tech giant says the device will deliver room-filling audio alongside advanced AI features powered by Gemini.

Users will be able to brainstorm ideas, hold natural conversations and ask follow-up questions without having to repeat themselves. Gemini can also handle interruptions, changes of mind and mid-conversation corrections without losing track of what you're asking.

Of course, it will also set timers, read the news and even help with requests such as "How do I make my scrambled eggs fluffy?" and "Add a dinner date to my calendar".

Beyond answering questions, the speaker acts as a smart home hub, allowing users to control lights, heating and connected devices using simple voice commands.

For added peace of mind, Google has included a glowing light at the base of the speaker, making it clear when Gemini is actively listening.

When it comes to entertainment, the Home Speaker is designed to deliver. It features 360-degree audio with deeper, richer bass and can pair seamlessly with other Google Home Speakers to create an immersive multi-room setup.

It also connects directly to Google's TV Streamer, helping boost movie nights with fuller, more cinematic sound.

The speaker will be available in two colours — Porcelain and Hazel — and is wrapped in a specially engineered fabric created using an innovative 3D knitting process that significantly reduces material waste.

The Google Home Speaker will cost £99.99 and is available to pre-order now.

One important detail is that many of Gemini's most advanced features require a Google Home Premium subscription. Buyers will receive six months free with the new speaker, after which the service costs £8 per month.