{"id":646127,"date":"2026-05-04T00:43:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T00:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/646127\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T00:43:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T00:43:11","slug":"gemini-will-get-third-party-smart-speakers-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/646127\/","title":{"rendered":"Gemini will get third-party smart speakers too"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Gemini is reviving the idea of a smart speaker for Google, with the upcoming \u201cGoogle Home Speaker\u201d being the first new hardware in years. Meanwhile, it sounds like we might also be seeing a revival of third-party smart speakers in the Gemini era, something we\u2019ve not seen in quite a while.<\/p>\n

For quite some time, \u201cGoogle Assistant smart speaker\u201d didn\u2019t refer to just Google\u2019s first-party hardware. Sure, everyone knows about the Google Home Mini and, to a lesser extent, the Nest Audio, but there was once a thriving market of third-party Assistant speakers from the likes of JBL and countless others. For some time, everyone was making an Assistant smart speaker.<\/p>\n

Then, they mostly vanished.<\/p>\n

The last memorable smart speaker with Google Assistant was 2023\u2019s JBL Authentics lineup<\/a> \u2013 which were excellent, by the way<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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That seems to be coming to an end as we approach Gemini\u2019s full launch. A product listing popped up on the CSA\u2019s website recently \u2013 the organization in charge of the Matter standard \u2013 which reveals a new \u201cOnn Smart Speaker\u201d in the works by Walmart. The simple speaker has an understated design with Gemini voice controls and audio streaming via Bluetooth or Google Cast. There are also physical volume and play\/pause controls visible in the single picture of the device, while a microphone switch is also mentioned.<\/p>\n

The listing<\/a> explains:<\/p>\n

A Gemini-powered smart home speaker integrating voice assistant, audio playback, and smart home control functionality. The device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and enables seamless media streaming via Google Cast for Audio. It features a 10W speaker and a far-field microphone array for reliable voice interaction. The product includes physical controls, LED indicators, and a hardware microphone privacy switch for user interaction and privacy protection.<\/p>\n

Walmart hasn\u2019t officially launched this device, nor have we seen it appear on the retailer\u2019s website or in stores. It would certainly make a whole lot of sense, though, if this were to launch alongside the new Google TV hardware Walmart has been sending out to stores lately (also without their own official announcements).<\/a> The listing was spotted <\/a>by a user on Reddit who previously unearthed some early details about Walmart\u2019s new Google TV devices<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s unclear when Walmart might launch this device, but it sets the stage for a revival of third-party smart speaker hardware powered by Google\u2019s voice assistant. Gemini is already available on a host of older Assistant speakers, so this makes some level of sense, but it\u2019ll certainly be interesting to see what launches down the pipeline.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Google Home Speaker is set to launch in the near future, potentially in a matter of weeks based on the company\u2019s initial timeline.<\/a><\/p>\n

More on Gemini for Home:<\/p>\n

Follow Ben:\u00a0Twitter\/X<\/a>,\u00a0Threads<\/a>, Bluesky<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

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