# Google Home Speaker Review: Leading the Pack, Again > Source: > Published: 2026-06-24 13:00:00+00:00 Google has always taken a slow and steady approach to smart speakers. Rather than dropping multiple new versions every year or two (looking at you, [Amazon](https://www.wired.com/story/everything-amazon-announced-today-at-its-fall-hardware-event/)), the company kept the lineup tight and waited years between models. Yes, it's taken six years to see a new version of a Google smart speaker. The new [Google Home Speaker](https://www.wired.com/story/the-gemini-powered-google-home-speaker-is-finally-here/) comes 10 years after the original [Google Home](https://www.wired.com/2016/11/review-google-home/). It doesn't resemble the original, instead adopting a familiar design from competitors like the [HomePod Mini](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-homepod-mini/), with a short and round stature. It's designed around [Google Gemini](https://www.wired.com/story/everything-google-announced-at-google-io-2026/) instead of Google Assistant, and works well for what it is. It's easy to control smart-home devices, can be used as a stereo pair or surround sound if you have a [Google TV Streamer](https://www.wired.com/review/google-tv-streamer-4k/), and has a snappy response time to questions. The new Gemini assistant is a little smarter and sounds more human than [Alexa+](https://www.wired.com/story/why-is-amazon-alexa-plus-so-bad/). If I had to choose a favorite of this next generation of smart speakers, this would be the one. It's unfortunate, though, that some of its best features sit behind a paywall. ## Fabric Orb It might look like a [HomePod Mini](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-homepod-mini/), but the color options make it feel distinctly Google. It's a shame that shades like Jade and Berry (pictured above) are exclusive to the US, though. The rest of the world is stuck with Hazel and Porcelain.