Google signals new Gemini‑powered Nest Hub amid Amazon’s Echo Show upgrades
Key Points
- Google Home head Anish Kattukaran confirms ongoing commitment to smart displays.
- A new Nest Hub is in development, featuring integration with the Gemini AI model.
- Google’s smart‑display history includes the 2018 Nest Hub, the 10‑inch Nest Hub Max, and a 2021 second‑generation refresh.
- Amazon recently introduced updated Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 devices with 360‑degree speakers.
- Both companies are emphasizing design, audio quality, and AI capabilities in their next‑gen devices.
Google Home head Anish Kattukaran confirmed the company remains committed to smart displays and hinted at a forthcoming Nest Hub that will integrate the Gemini AI model. The new device would build on Google’s smart‑display lineage that began in 2018, with the last refresh occurring in 2021. As Google prepares its announcement, Amazon has recently unveiled updated Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 models featuring enhanced 360‑degree speakers. The emerging competition highlights the importance of design, audio quality, and AI integration for the next generation of home smart displays.
Google’s Ongoing Commitment to Smart Displays
During a recent interview, Anish Kattukaran, head of Google Home, affirmed that Google is "definitely still committed to smart displays." He revealed that a new Nest Hub is in development and will incorporate Google’s Gemini artificial‑intelligence model, positioning the device as a versatile hub for voice interaction, visual information, and AI‑driven assistance.
Kattukaran emphasized the inherent advantages of a smart display: a microphone for audio input, a speaker for audio output, and a screen that complements voice commands by visualizing information. This combination, he suggested, makes the platform well‑suited for delivering Gemini‑powered experiences in the home.
Historical Context of Google’s Smart‑Display Lineup
Google entered the smart‑display market in 2018 with the original Nest Hub. A year later, the company expanded the lineup with the Nest Hub Max, a larger 10‑inch device featuring a built‑in camera and upgraded audio. The most recent refresh of the series was the second‑generation Nest Hub released in 2021, marking the last major hardware update before the current plans for a Gemini‑integrated model.
Amazon’s Recent Hardware Push
While Google prepares its next‑generation device, Amazon has already launched new hardware. The company’s recent event showcased updated Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 smart displays, both equipped with 360‑degree speakers modeled after the Echo Dot Max. These enhancements aim to deliver richer, room‑filling sound, raising the competitive bar for audio performance in smart displays.
Implications for the Smart‑Display Market
The parallel developments from Google and Amazon underscore a growing focus on integrating advanced AI capabilities, refined audio, and compelling design into home hubs. Google’s anticipated Gemini‑powered Nest Hub could leverage the platform’s visual and auditory strengths to differentiate itself, while Amazon’s refreshed Echo Show line demonstrates a commitment to superior sound quality.
Industry observers anticipate that Google will share more details soon, potentially revealing design updates, speaker improvements, and the timeline for the Gemini‑enabled device. The upcoming announcements will likely shape consumer expectations and influence the competitive dynamics of the smart‑display market.