Google’s mysterious Gemini smart speaker: What we know, and don’t know

Here is a 160-word summary of the news article: Google unveiled a new unannounced smart speaker during its recent Pixel event, dubbed the "Gemini" speaker. While details are limited, we know it has a squashed spherical shape, a fabric covering, and a light ring around the base similar to Amazon's Echo devices. The speaker is powered by Google's Gemini AI and can engage in open-ended conversations through a "Gemini Live" mode. Rumors suggest the Gemini speaker may come in four color options and offer customizable Gemini voice assistants. It could also double as a Matter smart home hub and be compatible with Google's TV streaming devices. However, the pricing and release timeline remain unknown. Based on Google's past smart speaker launches, the Gemini speaker is expected to be priced between $49 (Nest Mini) and $99 (Nest Audio), and likely debut around October. Overall, the new Google speaker seems to be an intriguing addition to the smart home market, though many specifics are still under wraps.